HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 cc93-4W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what university tuition fees will apply in respect of students who were offered deferred entry in 1998–99 on the basis of results which have now been re-marked on appeal to levels which could have secured an entry in 1997–98. [23939]

Dr. Howells

Students who were unable to enter higher education in 1997 because their results were inadequate, but who have had those results upgraded on appeal and who will now be able to enter in 1998, will be treated as 1997 entrants for student support purposes. This means that they will have their tuition fees met for the duration of their course, and receive the current 50:50 grants and loans maintenance support.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how university students' fees will be applied in the case of those students who were required to engage in a year's vocational work after A level, prior to consideration for entry to university, who were for that reason unable to secure admission offers for 1997–98. [23957]

Dr. Howells

Students who agreed a deferred entry place for autumn 1998 with their chosen university before 1 August 1997 prior to undertaking the required vocational work will not have to pay tuition fees for the duration of their course and will be subject to the existing grant and loan arrangements. Those applying after 1 August 1997 for places to start in autumn 1998 or later will be subject to the new tuition fee and maintenance arrangements being introduced in 1998.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if local authorities in England will be liable to pay fourth-year tuition fees for EU migrant workers resident within the boundaries of the local authority area, should they apply to a Scottish university; and if he will make a statement. [25335]

Dr. Howells

In 1998–99, new mandatory award holders domiciled in England and Wales, including EU migrant workers, will be eligible for assistance with their fees for all years of their courses.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if future increases in the level of tuition fees will be limited to the rate of inflation. [25333]

Dr. Howells

In recognition of the need for safeguards, the Teaching and Higher Education Bill currently before the other place provides that an affirmative resolution of both Houses would be needed before the level of a student's contribution could be increased above the rate of inflation.