HC Deb 08 November 1988 vol 140 cc123-4W
31. Mr. Franks

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the current numbers of students entering universities and polytechnics in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

The numbers of home initial entrants to universities and other higher education institutions in Great Britain in 1987, the latest year for which figures are available, are provisionally estimated at 72,000 and 98,000 respectively. The total is the highest ever, and the Government remain committed to the further widening of access to higher education.

Mrs. Rumbold

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, North-East (Mr. Thurnham).

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