Members would wish me to express our gratitude to Monmouthshire county council for agreeing to host this sitting of the Welsh Grand Committee. I particularly thank the chairman of Torfaen borough council, which shares the building, and the staff of county hall for making such thorough and efficient arrangements for us today. I propose to suspend the Committee for one hour for lunch at about 1 pm. I remind hon.
Points of order are to be raised only in English.
My right hon. Friend and I have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues and Assembly Ministers to discuss a range of issues. The Government are committed to encouraging greater participation in higher and further education that is consistent with the policy on lifelong learning. Given that answer, may I remind the Minister that the most recent figures show that the number of people trying to enter further and higher education in Wales has decreased by 5 per cent. Gentleman will be aware that tuition continues to be free for students from lower income families.