MISS Williams, of Heslington Road, fears that higher student fees will put off some people from attending university (Letters, February 4).

In fact the number of university students has increased from 1.9 million to 2.4 million since Labour came to power. The number of students from poorer families has grown by 17 per cent since fees were introduced, because poorer students pay no fees.

Labour has grasped the nettle on university funding. We have increased their budgets by £1 billion from taxation, and will add about £0.75 billion more from higher fees.

Labour's new funding package is good for universities, students and parents. We have restored student grants and bursaries worth £3,000 a year for students from low income households.

Parents no longer have to pay tuition fees, irrespective of parental income, and students pay nothing until after they graduate and start earning. And we have increased the salary level at which graduates pay from £10,000 to £15,000.

These changes mean that universities remain open to all, rich and poor alike. Graduates who get well paid jobs on the strength of their degree will pay part of the cost of their course, but lower paid graduates will pay no fees at all.

Hugh Bayley MP,

Holgate Road, York.

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, February 23, 2005