Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the expected future income stream to the Treasury from university tuition and top-up fees is in each of the next 15 years; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the expected future income stream to the Treasury from university tuition and top-up fees is in each of the next 15 years; and if he will make a statement. [204781] Dr. Howells: University tuition fees are paid to higher education institutions (HEI), not the Treasury. That will continue to be the case when variable deferred fees are introduced. From 2006, either the student will pay their fees direct to the HEI or (for students opting to take out the new loan for fees) the Student Loans Company will pay the HEI on the student's behalf. Because of the nature of the variable scheme, the income generated by HEIs will vary considerably, depending on their pricing and marketing strategies and the take-up of places by potential students.

Secondary information