I propose to answer Questions Nos. 669, 722, 744, 745, 763, 785, 787 and 790 together.
In the context of the free fees initiative, a standardised charge of £150 was levied by the third level colleges in the 1995-6 academic year for examinations, registration and student services. This charge was fixed at a maximum of £150 for the 1995-6 and 1996-7 academic years and set for review this academic year. In the light of the arguments advanced by the universities that the true costs of the charges would on average amount to £400 in 1997-8, the need for improved student services and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, I accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250 for the 1997-8 academic year.
Students eligible for maintenance grants under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge. In this regard, 60 per cent of certificate and diploma students in the technological sector and 40 per cent of students in the university sector are eligible for maintenance grants.
I have not taken any decisions about the future arrangements in relation to this charge.