Results 1-4 of 4 for ("top up" fees) speaker:Kenneth Clarke

Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation (23 Mar 2004)

Mr Kenneth Clarke: ...that he would be lucky if he achieved them, and he has. As the Government keep their fingers crossed and move towards the finish line in June, it is a case of "So far, so good." Growth has held up better than practically every independent expert in the country expected, but it is neither healthy nor sustainable growth. Although we have been doing quite well, such growth is still not as...

Local Government, Environment and Transport (1 Dec 2003)

Mr Kenneth Clarke: ...us, most of which are ad hoc—either the latest bright idea from some think-tank that happens to be close to the No. 10 policy unit or an old departmental idea that has been taken out of a cupboard and had the dust blown off it to be brought forward to address one issue or another. I agree with the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East (Dr. Kumar), whose speech I...

Local Government, Environment and Transport (1 Dec 2003)

Mr Kenneth Clarke: ...illustrate to me the fact that the Government are also a bit of a sucker for any lobby that walks through the door. One thing they will always give in to is pressure from any well-organised group. That leads me on to at least one of the measures that I particularly object to in the Queen's Speech—the proposals on higher education. The two measures that I have already identified as...

Local Government, Environment and Transport (1 Dec 2003)

Mr Kenneth Clarke: ...students and parents. That is a bigger mistake than any that we made. The time has now come to consolidate, to lower the targets and ensure that we can finance existing provision without opting for top-up fees. Finally, I should like to make a few brief comments about the House of Lords. It is a disgrace to see before the House a Bill to change the House of Lords. My specific reason for...