Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rob Wilson and Gordon Birtwistle

Thursday 17th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con)]

13. What his policy is on widening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; and if he will make a statement.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

20. What his policy is on widening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

This Government are committed to social mobility. That is why our higher education reforms have no payments up-front, more generous maintenance support and the extension of loans to part-time students. Last week we gave updated guidance to the director of fair access about access agreements and outlined details of our £150 million national scholarship programme.