§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students domiciled in England or funded by English education authorities are currently studying for first degrees in Scottish universities. [13870]
§ Mr. WilsonThe latest year for which published figures are available is 1994–95. In that year, 16,793 English domiciled students were studying for a first degree in a Scottish University or College. Of these, 16,649 were studying full-time and 144 were studying part-time.
§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with(a) English education authorities, (b) student representative organisations and (c) universities about his proposal to charge students from England attending Scottish universities higher tuition fees than students from Scotland or from other EU countries. [13871]
§ Mr. WilsonI invited comments on the Dearing and Garrick reports on 23 July, including comments on Garrick recommendation 29 which covers the issue of tuition fees for comparable qualifications. Since then, responses have been received from student representative organisations, amongst others, and the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals, whom I have also met. I have had extensive discussion with Ministerial colleagues in the Department of Education and Employment, and my announcement on Monday 27 October with regard to tuition fees was the agreed position of the Government.