CONTROVERSIAL top-up fees could be considered at the University of York after it was revealed government ministers will review a pre-election pledge.

Labour promised before last year's General Election that it would rule out the extra student charge, which could run into thousands of pounds.

But pressure from some of the UK's "ivy league" universities has forced ministers to order a review of the policy. University spokeswoman Hilary Layton denied that York was among the universities pressing for top-up fees. But she said every university would have to consider the issue if the Government gave the green light to the plans.

She said: "The university is waiting to see the specific proposals of the Higher Education White Paper in November before having any discussions on possible top-up fees at York." Education Secretary Estelle Morris is expected to state that universities which can justify charging students more than the current £1,000 fee may be allowed to do so. She will stop short of stating top-up fees will definitely be introduced to avoid breaking Labour's General Election pledge that no extra charges will be levied before 2006.

Updated: 10:56 Saturday, October 19, 2002