§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to encourage higher education institutions to review their teaching year in order to meet the needs of part-time students. [26800]
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§ Dr. Howellsholding answer 3 February 1998]: The Higher Education Funding Council for England is taking a number of initiatives to encourage institutions to be flexible in meeting the needs of both full-time and part-time students. These include pilot schemes for extending the academic year and awarding a funding premium for students on courses of 45 weeks and over. We welcome these initiatives and expect to see more progress in this important area in the future.