§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the announcement of the introduction of tuition fees on applications for university places in 1998. [29977]
§ Dr. HowellsThe latest figures from the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that the fall in applicant numbers by 15 December was—at some 4 per cent.—even lower than the figure it announced before Christmas (6 per cent.); and by 5 February the fall in applicant numbers compared with the same date last year was down to just under 3 per cent. It is still too early to use these figures as a definitive guide to final applicant or entrant numbers. Last year, applicant numbers as at 15 December represented about 75 per cent. of the final number received. However, they are a welcome sign that many prospective students and their parents now understand the fairness of the Government's proposals.