§ 19. Ms BlearsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase access to higher education by young people from inner-city areas. [81534]
§ Mr. MudieWe have enabled the funding council to allocate £30 million a year to promote wider participation by people from disadvantaged backgrounds, which will be allocated by postcode. We intend that Excellence in Cities-our action plan for inner city education-will drive up standards and raise pupils' aspirations, giving many more young people the opportunity to go on to higher education.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will next meet the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals to discuss the expansion targets for higher education. [81527]
§ Mr. BlunkettI met with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals on 17 March. The expansion issues for higher education were discussed at that meeting. We have no immediate plans for further meetings.