§ Lord Harris of High Crossasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the average annual current expenditure per student in (a) British universities and (b) polytechnics for a first degree in arts and for a first degree in science in the latest year for which figures are available; and
What is the average annual capital expenditure per student in (a) British universities and (b) polytechnics for a first degree in arts and a first degree in science in the latest year for which figures are available.
§ Baroness HooperThe table below shows net recurrent institutional expenditure for all students in universities and those on advanced level work in the polytechnics (information is not available in respect of first degree study alone). In the case of polytechnics, it is only possible to show separate costs for classroom and practical activity. Costs in both sectors, but particularly in the universities, include the costs of research funded via general grant.
The average annual cost per student cannot realistically be measured in terms of capital expenditure.
Average cost per sudent (£) i. Universities (Great Britain) 1984–85 Academic Year —Clinical medicine, dentistry and veterinary science 8,670 —Other science 5,960 —All science 6,320 —Arts 3,930 —All subjects 5,210
ii. Polytechnics (England) 1984–85 Financial Year —Practical work1 align="right">3,660 —Classroom work1 align="right">2,480 —Practical and classroom work 3,015 1 Practical work=Science and science-based subjects; engineering; technological and manufacturing subjects; management science; art and design. Classroom work=Arts; mathematics; professional studies.