§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the adult population is now in higher education; what was the figure in 1978–79; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 11 December 1990]: The number of adults in full-time higher education in Scotland in 1988–89, expressed as a percentage of the Scottish population aged 21 to 34 was 3.5 per cent. The equivalent figure for 1985–86 was 3 per cent. Information on the numbers of adults in higher education in years before 1985–86 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The provisional figure for the proportion of young Scots entering higher education in 1989–90 has risen to over 24 per cent. compared with 21 per cent. in 1988–89.