§ 21. Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the number of students entering further and higher education. [14343]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made it clear that the Government are setting a target for an extra 500,000 people to enter further and higher education by the year 2002.
§ 22. Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the numbers of students entering higher education from neighbourhoods currently with the lowest participation rates; and if he will make a statement. [14344]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are committed to increasing and widening access to higher education. We will want to follow up the Dearing Report's recommendations for widening access and we are currently analysing the responses to the consultation on the Report. We will make an announcement in due course.