University access on ability - not ability to pay

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Apr 2000

After the publication of figures last week showing that student debt has risen to an average of over £13,000, Don Foster today announced the Liberal Democrat campaign to scrap student top-up and tuition fees.

Commenting, Don Foster said:

"Labour won't be forgiven for breaking its 2001 manifesto promise not to introduce top-up fees.

"As so many young Bath residents have told me, they're being put off going to university by the cost and those that do go, too often end up with mortgage style debts.

"The taxpayer, not student, should meet the cost of developing the skills Britain needs.

"Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to a fair deal for students. Only the Liberal Democrats can be trusted to deliver."