Is the Minister happy with the position regarding fees? I am referring to a situation where a group of housewives apply themselves to study one subject in which they can become literate and thus help their families. Is she happy that those ladies should be charged £30 for sitting that examination?

I have already indicated to the Deputy that I am looking at that matter.

Is the Minister looking at it with a view to reducing the fee?

That implies I am not happy with the situation.

The Minister's unhappiness is not of much use to those ladies unless she can indicate she will reduce the fee of £30. Is she going to reduce that fee or is she not? That is all I am asking.

I have already indicated I am considering the matter.

To what extent? I am a little tired of the Minister talking about commitments to this and waiting for reports on that. Those good ladies are pursuing educational courses in the face of many problems——

We cannot have argument at Question Time.

Will the Minister assure those ladies and other ladies throughout the country that she will not expect from them the amount expected from students who are sitting the full complement of subjects? Surely she can give that assurance?

As I have indicated to the Deputy, I can assure the women who are taking these courses that I am considering the matter.

It would be a salient achievement for the feminist cause of equality if women, mostly the mature students Deputy Tunney has spoken about — and the same can be said about students in my area — who wish to do one subject, housewives who wish to better themselves and their families, were able to return to the labour force when their families have grown up. I say to the Minister, as one woman to another, that it would be a great achievement for feminism.