§ 17. Mr. Harry Barnesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to provide additional places in higher education for mature students; and if he will make a statement.
§ 34. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to provide additional places in higher education for mature students; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe Government's plans, as published in the higher education White Paper, envisage a further substantial increase in the recruitment of mature students to higher education. In the case of full-time students this increase is expected to be about 18 per cent. over the decade to 1995. As a result of additional funding announced last year the number of registered undergraduates at the Open University will rise to approximately 73,000 in 1990, an increase of some 5,500 compared with 1985. The Government are currently reviewing demand in the light of the latest figures.