asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students are now registered with the Open university as part of the associate programme; and how the figure compares with previous years.

In 1985 about 9,800 students were registered as associate students taking single courses from the university's undergraduate programme. In addition about 49,500 were registered on continuing education courses or purchased continuing education packs of self-study materials. In both cases the number of students is higher than in previous years.