Lilian Greenwood
Main Page: Lilian Greenwood (Labour - Nottingham South)(14 years, 2 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Mr Speaker
Order. I would like to accommodate a few more, but I really do appeal to Members to help each other.
Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab)
Does the Minister not understand that many talented young people will simply feel unable to choose to go to university because they will be terrified of leaving with debts hanging over them of more than £20,000, which they might never be able to pay off?
Mr Willetts
I hope that the hon. Lady will join me in sending the very clear message to young people that the system is not like having a credit card debt of £20,000. It is a graduate contribution scheme in which there is no repayment unless someone earns more than £21,000, and, if for whatever reason, they become unemployed or withdraw from the work force during that time, they will not have to make any repayments. It is far better than conventional debt, and it is important for all of us in all parts of the House to make that clear.