The committee recognises that we cannot afford further improvement or expansion of higher education on the basis of current funding arrangements. Students should share both the investment and the advantages gained from higher education. Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. The investment of the nation must be balanced by the commitment of the individual. Each will gain from the investment made.
Graduates gain considerably from higher education compared with non-graduates.
We have considered funding options within the principles laid out in Opposition. Dearing believes that the present loan system is unfair and not working effectively. We accept a great many of the broad principles laid out by Sir Ron. We intend to build on the committee's preferred option, taken together with the proposal in our policy statement Lifelong Learning. We must develop a more efficient system than the present confusion of loans, grants and parental contributions.