INQUIRY INTO HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING

Early day motion 1871, tabled 5 November 2003 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House believes that the decision of financing of higher education should not be rushed into but taken on the basis of the fullest possible information, the best analysis of the alternatives and serious consideration of the effects and consequences of different methods of funding; urges Her Majesty's Government to set up a full public inquiry as successor to the Dearing Inquiry to update the work of that body, examine proposals for top-up fees and their effects on both the top tier of the universities and the rest, and on participation rates, particularly of those less well off, to look at alternative funding schemes, and to examine the system in, and implications for, Scotland and financing systems overseas; and further believes that legislation on this issue should be delayed until the inquiry reports so that decisions on the financing of the universities can be taken on a considered basis which maximises consent.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.