Moser backs loans

SIR CLAUS Moser, chancellor of Keele University, says he sees "no alternative" to the introduction of a full-scale loans system for students to help alleviate the problems of a cash-strapped higher education system.

In a wide-ranging speech last week on the challenges for all tiers of education including nurseries, Sir Claus said the loan system should be formulated on the Australian model. Repayment could be phased in, depending on the borrowers' income and general means. While there were dangers in discouraging potential students who did not want loans, the Australian experience showed that this could be minimised, he said.

Giving the Northern Ireland Economic Council's annual Sir Charles Carter Lecture, Sir Claus, also chairman of the British Museum Development Trust, expressed concerned that with most post-school funding for students going to those in universities, further education students were being disadvantaged: "It is a confusing mess."