To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what research his Department has undertaken on the impact of removing funding for equivalent or lower level qualifications on women; and what discussions he has had with the Minister for Women on this issue. (177596)

[holding answer 10 January 2008]: Nearly 60 per cent. of students are women. The proportion of students studying for equivalent or lower level qualifications who are women is the same. But our policy of redistributing grant will widen participation and mean that more of the ten million women of working age who do not have a first higher-level qualification, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, will be able to benefit from participating in higher education. I have had no discussions with the Minister for Women specifically on this issue which does not discriminate against women, but offers more opportunities for both men and women without a first higher education qualification.