Post-18 Education

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts
Tuesday 20th February 2018

(6 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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That was a question of two halves. In the first half, I think the right hon. Gentleman was describing what is called sharing the cost, which we do. We believe that it is right that the individual who benefits should take on part of the investment, and the taxpayer also picks up part of it. I agree entirely with the points in the second half of the question: we should have proper join-up between HE and FE. Many universities already do important technical education, and many FE colleges also conduct very good HE. We want more of a join-up.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Many of us, from both sides of the Chamber, come from modest backgrounds and were the first in our families to go to university. Any kind of cap on numbers could seriously jeopardise the system. Will the review therefore ensure that the unintended consequences of popular but ultimately disastrous policy options are highlighted?

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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The review will look at a range of issues, but highlighting the downsides of some policies that may appear outwardly and initially attractive is an important part of that.