HC Deb 10 June 1986 vol 99 cc156-7W
33. Mr. Fallon

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students are now in higher education; and what was the number in 1978–79.

Mr. Walden

Provisional figures for 1985 indicate there are now 906.000 students in higher education in Great Britain. There were 765,000 in 1978.

39. Mr. Wood

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the rate of growth of student numbers in higher education from 1979 to the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walden

Provisional figures for 1985 indicate that the total number of full-time and part-time students in higher education in Great Britain has increased by 17 per cent. since 1979. This is a very welcome increase during the course of this Administration.