§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many part-time students in higher education have to contribute to all or part of their tuition fees. [8720]
§ Dr. HowellsData from the Higher Education Statistics Agency for the academic year 1996–97 showed that 234,300, that is some 60 per cent., of the 384,600 part-time student enrolments for which the source of fees were known received no financial backing, and so fees were met by the students concerned. Over 30 per cent. of the remaining enrolments were paid by employers or other organisations and in just over 5 per cent. of cases no fee was paid.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has to encourage students from poorer homes to enter higher education. [8717]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government recognises that participation in higher education by students from poorer homes is closely related to educational achievement up to 18 years of age. The policies set out in our White Paper "Excellence in Schools" should greatly improve the educational opportunities for all children. In developing our policy to widen participation among students from poorer backgrounds, we shall consider carefully the recommendations of the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, which is expected to report shortly.