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Scottish Office

Answer

Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he intends to monitor the effects of (a) the abolition of grants, (b) the introduction of tuition fees and (c) the decision not to waive fourth-year tuition fees for English, Welsh and Northern Irish students, on the (i) age, (ii) gender, (iii) domicile, (iv) ethnicity, (v) socio- economic background and (iv) total number of students at Scottish institutions. [46295] Mr. Wilson: The Scottish Office regularly receives and publishes information on Scottish student award holders and on all students studying in Scottish higher education, including information on age, gender, domicile and total number of students. The Government are currently considering what further information can be collected and made available on ethnicity and socio-economic background. In addition, in response to the Garrick Report, the Government have asked the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to provide advice on issues arising for higher education in Scotland including the implementation of the reforms, in consultation with all those who have an interest in education. The Scottish Office has also asked SHEFC to undertake a survey of access by different socio-economic groups in Scotland and to work with partners in developing a national strategy to widen access.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

314 c269W; 46295

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Fees and charges Education Grants Higher education Scotland Students Scottish Higher Education Funding Council Student numbers