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		Letter to the Editor Lincolnshire Echo - Thursday, 22 May 2003 Dear Sir, We're used to this Labour government trying to blame their own failures on the previous Tory administration, even though they've been in power for six years. But I was gob-smacked by Simon Harrison's letter (May 20th), where he tries to blame the Conservatives for Labour's tuition fees. Get real, Mr. Harrison. This was a pure Labour initiative, and nothing to do with us! Mr. Harrison is right that the Conservatives are committed to scrapping university tuition fees, as part of a wide-ranging shake-up of higher education. These plans would save students and their families up to £3,000 a year, reduce Whitehall interference in universities and give a big boost vocational education. Tuition fees have been a tax on learning, especially for hard-working families who want their children to get on. I am alarmed that students can start their working life with debts of more than £12,000. Our proposals would mean that parents would no longer have to worry about finding £9,000 universities can charge to pay for an average three-year course. I also believe that we have to have a smaller, more focused attitude to university education. We have a situation at the moment with thousands of graduates are unemployed, while we desperately need of plumbers and electricians! A sensible approach to university numbers and funding will enable us to take a much more effective approach to vocational education - as they do in many continental countries. Labour is failing on education. It's time for a change Yours sincerely, Roger Helmer MEP