UNIVERSITY TUITION FEES

Early day motion 124, tabled 26 November 2003 by Tim Yeo (Conservative). Signed by 49 members.

That this House expresses its profound concern about the Government's plan to introduce top-up fees for university students; notes that recent Government research shows that poorer students are worst-affected by student debt; further notes that the Government's proposals would mean students incurring even more debt than the unprecedented levels currently experienced; further notes that growing numbers of universities are expressing concern that the benefits for them of an uncertain and unpredictable extra funding stream may be more than outweighed by the loss of independence, especially over admissions policy, involved; believes that the system of repayment of tuition costs after graduation operated in Scotland causes real problems for many graduates, especially those in lower paid, vocational jobs like teaching and scientific research; and calls on the Government to withdraw this damaging proposal and honour its pledge in the 2001 Labour Manifesto to rule out top-up fees.

Signatures by party: Conservative 46, Independent Conservative 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, UUP 1.