§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what details are kept on the number of students who leave college before the end of term or course for financial reasons; and if he will list them by area.
§ Mr. BoswellHigher education drop-out rates are published in the departmental report. Table 14 in the latest report—Cm 2510—a copy of which is available in the Library, shows that drop-out rates have remained broadly steady over the period from 1982–83 to 1991–92. The Department does not collect information on the reasons why students leave courses prematurely, whether it is for financial reasons or otherwise; nor does it collect data by area.