April 9, 2004

Bill Allowing Higher Tuition in England and Wales Survives Another Key Vote

By AISHA LABI

Prime Minister Tony Blair's government once again thwarted challenges to its controversial Higher Education Bill last week, as the House of Commons approved the measure by a far more comfortable margin than when it was voted on in January. Mr. Blair won the key vote, 316 to 288.

The bill's central provision calls for the creation of "top-up fees" at universities in England and Wales. In place of the $2,050 yearly upfront fee they are now charged, beginning in 2006 students would be