§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional places in higher education he expects to be financed by the introduction of tuition fees in each of the first four years of the operation of the scheme. [24724]
§ Dr. HowellsWe have made it clear that the savings from the introduction of the new funding arrangements for higher education will be used to improve quality, standards and opportunities for all in further and higher education. The funding for higher education in 1998–99 announced by my right hon. Friend on 23 September 1997 will enable an additional 1,000 full-time places to be provided in higher education, on sub-degree programmes mainly in further education colleges. Plans for subsequent years will be announced in due course, having regard to the Government's comprehensive spending review and our aim to widen participation in higher education.