Higher Education Funding

Alex Cunningham Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Willetts]

My hon. Friend is quite right to raise that matter. We are indeed committed to keeping the special arrangements for London maintenance.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

Medical students face many extra years of learning and could end up with debts in excess of £70,000, enough to buy a small house in the north-east of England. We need many more home-grown doctors. What will the Government do to help reduce the burden on such students and encourage them?

[Mr Willetts]

I do not recognise the figure of £70,000, and of course there is continuing support from the Department of Health towards the costs of medical education.