LINK Programme

HC Deb 03 February 1988 vol 126 cc623-4W

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about progress on the LINK programme.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

In announcing the LINK initiative, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated the Government's intention to boost industrially relevant research and development, and to make scientists and the

Mr. Jackson

It is estimated the number of university entrants from social classes Him, IV and V as a percentage of the relevant working class population was 3 per cent. in each of the years 1986, 1981 and 1971; 2 per cent. in 1961 and 1 per cent. in 1955. Information for 1958 is not available.

Similar information is not collected by the polytechnic central admissions system, but a sample survey of young people attempting examinations qualifying them for HE entry in 1985 indicated that about 7 per cent. of the relevant working class population entered some form of HE including sub-degree courses. A sample survey of 21-year-olds in 1962 indicated the equivalent percentage then was 3 per cent.