§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the maximum validation fee which may be charged under the present regulations for both polytechnics and universities; and what is the maximum fee proposed under arrangements for the future.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe maximum recommended fee for university validation of college courses in the academic year 1991–92 is £340. The Department will be consulting the Committee of Vic-Chancellors and Principals shortly about the fee for 1992–93 in respect of existing validation services. We believe that the current level may not allow for economies of scale as numbers of students have increased in recent years. In the case of new or existing degree awarding institutions offering validation services to other colleges for courses currently validated by the Council for National Academic Awards, the Department has requested estimates of the costs involved and the fee to be charged by the end of May. An analysis of the full costs associated with CNAA validation suggests that institutions offering validation on the same basis might be expected to offer a service at a fee ranging from under £150 to over £250, depending on the number of institutions, courses and students involved. The education departments will notify in June a maximum fee for validation services for 1992–93 in respect of students starring relevant courses in that academic year.