Students deserve to know fees

It's good news that there has been an 11 per cent increase in applications to Welsh Universities by Welsh students this year. It shows that they realise they can get a world class education in Wales, but also, of course, that the flat-rate fees of £1,100, secured by Plaid in the budget settlement for 2006-07, is a more attractive proposition than the £3,0000-plus most English universities will be charging.

It is staggering, therefore, that Labour's policy document says: "There is no guarantee that university top-up fees will not be introduced after 2007".

Given that a university course and its expenses are a commitment for both students and their parents, shouldn't Labour be more explicit about its position?

Universities will shortly be holding open days for 2008 and students need to know now - will they have to pay Labour's top-up funds or the flat-rate of £1,100?

David Thomas, Plaid Assembly Candidate for Montgomeryshire