Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 25 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 December 1998. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 December 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how his figure for the cost of abolishing tuition fees in Scotland was arrived at; over what period it applies; what the annual figures are; and what assumptions underlie the calculation. - In Library as DEP 98/1437.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how his figure for the cost of abolishing tuition fees in Scotland was arrived at; over what period it applies; what the annual figures are; and what assumptions underlie the calculation. [61710] Mrs. Liddell: I am not entirely clear which figure is the subject of the question. The Scottish Office Education and Industry Department has commissioned independent research on the long term savings arising from the recent changes in policy on student support, including the introduction of a means-tested private contribution towards the cost of tuition and the replacement of grants by loans. I have arranged for a copy of an abstract of the results to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

Secondary information