Off-quota University Places Debate

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Lord Barwell

Main Page: Lord Barwell (Conservative - Life peer)

Off-quota University Places

Lord Barwell Excerpts
Tuesday 10th May 2011

(13 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Willetts Portrait Mr Willetts
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This policy has been referred to in speeches by me and the Secretary of State. [Hon. Members: “When?”] In speeches we gave to Universities UK and the Higher Education Funding Council. The policy will also be set out in the White Paper, after which I look forward to debating it further in the House.

Lord Barwell Portrait Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con)
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Given the constraints on public spending, allowing businesses and charities to provide additional places at no cost to the public purse is, in principle, a good idea, but can my right hon. Friend tell the House exactly how the Government will ensure that no university in this country will have different entry criteria for quota and off-quota places?

Lord Willetts Portrait Mr Willetts
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My hon. Friend is right to raise that important principle. I hope that I made it clear earlier that there should be no question of sacrificing university entry standards. We are not considering that.