HIGHER EDUCATION BILL AND THREE YEAR LIMIT ON PAYMENT OF FEES

Early day motion 1383, tabled 22 June 2004 by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House welcomes the Lords Amendment to the Higher Education Bill which ensures that in respect of any qualifying course, no qualifying fees are charged to any eligible student for any academic year beyond the first three years of a first degree course; welcomes the fact that such an amendment will reduce the disincentive to take up longer courses, many of which constitute training for positions of significant public benefit; is confident that such a measure will reduce the potential for higher education becoming the prerogative for those from advantaged backgrounds and hopes that equality of payment between courses will ensure greater social diversity both at university and in professions where minority groups are currently under-represented; and calls on the Government to accept this Amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 23, Labour 2, UUP 1.