asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of the publication of his Department's projections of student demand 1986 to 2000, he will reconsider and increase his higher education expenditure plan in the years 1987–88 and beyond.

The plans for spending on higher education included in "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1987–88 to 1989–90" (Cmnd. 56), published last month, represent significant increases on previous provision. We are continuing to consider the implications of the new projections of student demand for higher education and have sought the comments of interested bodies.