§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what discussions he has had with the Education Minister of the National Assembly for Wales regarding the recommendations of the Rees report on student finance; [8639]
(2) what representations he has made to the Department for Education and Skill's review of student finance in the context of the Rees report on student finance; and if he will make a statement. [8640]
§ Mr. TouhigDiscussions on the report have taken place at ministerial level between the Assembly and UK Government Departments.
Following the Rees report the Assembly took immediate action to tackle student hardship in Wales by putting £20 million into student access and hardship funds for this year. The Assembly is giving further consideration to the other recommendations in the report.
The Government are committed to reforming the student funding system. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has announced a review of student support arrangements which will look at student support and tuition fees.