§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest estimate of places available in higher education in autumn 1989; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Jackson[holding answer 21 April 1989]: Applications to enter higher education in 1989–90 are estimated to be about 5 per cent. higher than last year. Actual numbers will depend on the recruitment decisions of each individual institution. We already have record numbers and participation rates, and expect to reach 1 million students for the first time this autumn.