§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with university vice chancellors and principals about the introduction of top-up fees; and which universities haveinformed her of their intention to introduce top-up fees. [77682]
§ Margaret HodgeMy right hon. Friend and I meet university vice chancellors and principals from time to time in the course of normal business. We discuss a range of issues, and a number have raised the issue of discretionary fees.
§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect on access to higher education of the introduction of top-up fees. [77857]
Mr. AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what evidence(a) from the UK and (b) from overseas she has assessed on the effect of top-up fees on levels of participation in higher education; [77750]
(2) what assessment she has made of the impact of top-up fees on improving access to higher education. [77751]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 28 October 2002]: We have announced our intention to publish a strategy document setting out our vision for the development and reform of higher education, including the outcome of the review of student support. The document will be published shortly; it would not be appropriate to pre-empt that strategy at this stage.