In an initial response to today's announcement, Professor Sir Graeme Davies, Principal of the University of Glasgow, reiterated his opposition to top-up fees. He foresees the introduction of such a system as discriminatory, particularly given the sector's commitment, supported by the Scottish Executive, to the social inclusion agenda.

He warned of the risk of creating an 'elitism by ability to pay' which would run contrary to the principle that the best education should be provided to the most able students. Students should not be deterred from their course of choice because of cost implications.

The Scottish Higher Education sector makes a significant contribution to the economic and social development of the country so it is vitally important that it is not financially disadvantaged in comparison to England. The Scottish sector must be able to attract and retain the key academic staff who are the driving force behind teaching and research.

Sir Graeme acknowledged that increasing income is now part of many HE institutions' agendas, achieved through such means as enhancing research income and providing specialist courses. However, any augmentation of income from such activities would need to be complemented by ongoing government funding.

On the issue of quotas which would see university places safeguarded for Scottish students, Sir Graeme would be against this in principle. However, given the complicated and diverse make up of the HE sector in Scotland, he is conscious of the difficulties of avoiding such measures. He commented, ' I would not like to see able students in Scotland disadvantaged in any way.'

For full details of the proposals, please refer to HE Strategy

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First published: 22 January 2003