HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc273-4W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost of providing free tuition for all part-time undergraduates(a) in higher education and (b) on approved further education courses. [11182]

Dr. Howells

We estimate that the annual cost of meeting the fees currently paid in respect of(a) all part-time undergraduates in higher education and (b) all students, including full-time students, in further education who currently pay fees would be approaching £300 million and some £200 million respectively. It is not possible to estimate the fee income from all part-time students in further education separately, though it is known to be well in excess of £100 million.

Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if medical students following courses of between four and six years will be required to make a contribution to their tuition fees throughout their university and hospital training. [11036]

Dr. Howells

Under the plans announced by my right hon. Friend in the statement that he made in the House on 23 July, full-time students in higher education would pay up to £1,000 per year depending on parental income. But, as my right hon. Friend also made clear, we shall be considering the need for appropriate measures, such as bursaries for students entering some health and social care professional courses, as well as teacher training courses, given the state's particular interest in securing a continued supply of qualified professionals in these areas. We have invited the views of representative bodies by the end of September.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to make discretionary degree course fees subject to parental means-testing. [10769]

Dr. Howells

My right hon. Friend announced on 23 July the Government's proposals to require full-time undergraduates to make a contribution to tuition fees of up to £1,000, dependent on parental income. The implications of these proposals for students who are not currently eligible for mandatory awards are being considered and will be dealt with in a more detailed policy statement in the autumn.