Wednesday 8th December 2010

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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19:18

Division 147

Ayes: 320


Conservative: 264
Liberal Democrat: 45

Noes: 216


Labour: 199
Scottish National Party: 5
Democratic Unionist Party: 4
Independent: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Plaid Cymru: 2
Alliance: 1
Green Party: 1

Gareth Thomas Portrait Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)
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On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Have you had any indication of a further Government statement on changes to their plans to treble student fees? I ask because the Institute for Fiscal Studies has brought out today a report in which it confirms that graduates from the poorest 30% of households would pay back more than under the current system—a point seemingly lost on the Prime Minister today—and that the new system will generate perverse incentives for universities charging more than £6,000 to turn away students from poorer backgrounds. Given that it is now clear that the Government’s proposals for student support seem to have been written on the back of the Deputy Prime Minister’s fag packet, do we not need a statement to clarify things once and for all?

Nigel Evans Portrait Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
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Just to assist the House, I have not been given any indication that there is likely to be a statement today on that or, indeed, any other issue.