Plaid attacks Labour on uni fees

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Students in Wales could face paying top-up fees if Labour wins the Welsh Assembly elections, Plaid Cymru has claimed.

Labour's manifesto says it anticipates reviewing the current funding set-up by the end of the assembly term in 2011.

In a statement, Labour said it would be irresponsible for any party to commit to pay student fees without knowing what the bill would be.

The Tories and Lib Dems said they were opposed to top-up fees.

At the moment, all students domiciled in Wales and studying at Welsh universities pay £1,200 a year - and the assembly picks up the remainder of the bill.

English students studying in Wales have to pay the full amount, which can be up to £3,000.

Plaid Cymru has criticised Labour for not ruling out the introduction of top-up fees by 2011.

Plaid said that Labour in Scotland had pledged not to bring in top-up fees for Scottish students studying in Scottish universities, but that no such clause had been included in the party's Welsh manifesto.

'Glaring omission'

Plaid's Dr Dai Lloyd said it was "a glaring omission".

"This ... clearly indicates that if they form a majority government after 3 May, Labour will scrap the current concessions on top-up fees gained by opposition parties against the Labour government's will, and introduce top up fees within the lifetime of the third National Assembly."

In reply, Labour said Plaid was making "rash promises" over tuition fees.

"Plaid Cymru's faulty counting has already led them to overspend the Welsh budget by at least £660m," said the statement.

"Parliament will review fees levels in 2009. It would be irresponsible for any political party serious about governing Wales to make a commitment to pay the fees of students without knowing what the bill will be."

Committed

A spokesman for the Conservatives said: "It was our motion which stopped Welsh students paying top-up fees in Wales.

"We are committed to that continuing and remain opposed to Labour's tax on learning."

Peter Black, from the Liberal Democrats, said his party's position was clear.

"We guarantee at least the current level of support for students for the life of the next assembly. No ifs, no buts. Guaranteed.

"The other parties need to drop their veil of silence and give students clarity on what they are offering."