To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what aspects of the Higher Education White Paper will be extended to Northern Ireland; and what the timetable is for the implementation of its proposals. [125538]

It is my intention to consider carefully the implications for Northern Ireland of the DfES White Paper on the future of Higher Education in England over the next few months; to take into consideration the outcomes of the, consultation process in England and discussions with local stakeholders including the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council; and to bring forward recommendations on the way forward in Northern Ireland in due course.