asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any changes in residential facilities for mature students or courses available to them have been proposed by any Scottish college; and if so, what is the nature of the changes and whether they meet with his approval.

I am not aware of any proposals to provide residential accommodation specifically for mature students. Broadly speaking, the only courses which are subject to the approval of my right hon. Friend are advanced courses; and no college has submitted proposals at this level designed specifically to meet the needs of mature students.