HC Deb 25 October 2001 vol 373 cc324-5W
18. Mr. Rendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to review student finance. [6706]

29. Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements her Department has made to monitor and evaluate the impact of funding changes on access to higher education. [6717]

Margaret Hodge

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills announced on 3 October 2001 that she is leading a review of student funding, working together with representatives from HM Treasury and No. 10. We need to ensure that we have an appropriate balance between the contribution made by students, their families and the state to support our ambitions to widen access and participation in higher education. A range of policy options is being considered. No decisions have been taken.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) which bodies she will invite to submit representations to the cross-departmental review she has announced on student finance; [10200]

(2) what plans she has to invite external submissions to the cross-departmental review she has announced on student finance. [10199]

Margaret Hodge

We have said that we plan to consult on any proposals to emerge from the review.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she plans to meet representatives of Universities UK to discuss student finance. [10201]

Margaret Hodge

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has written to Prof. Roderick Floud, President of Universities UK, to inform him that a review is under way. We plan to consult on any proposals for change and would expect Universities UK to contribute.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she intends to meet representatives of the National Union of Students to discuss student finance. [10202]

Margaret Hodge

I met Owain James, President of the National Union of Students, in the summer to discuss student finance. We are currently reviewing student finance policy. We plan to consult and would expect the National Union of Students to contribute.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what options are under consideration in the review of student finance which she has announced; and if she will make a statement. [10203]

Margaret Hodge

We will consult on proposals that emerge from the review.