STUDENT top-up fees will not be introduced in Wales until at least 2007 - but critics say that Welsh students may still suffer.

Education Minister Jane Davidson reiterated her position yesterday after Gwent MPs helped force the Westminster government to delay introducing legislation in England.

As reported, Monmouth MP Huw Edwards urged Westminster Education Secretary Charles Clarke to think again before a vital debate yesterday.

Also in Westminster were students from the University of Wales College, Newport (UWCN) who joined hundreds of others lobbying MPs.

National Union of Students president at UWCN, Robert Nunn, 23, said: "If this measure happens in London then Cardiff will cave in. With projected debts of £30,000 it will put off poorer perspective students and damage non 'Ivy League' institutions like UWCN."

UWCN's Vice Chancellor Professor James Lusty is among university chiefs objecting to the fees and suggesting funding alternatives.

Mr Edwards said: "I have spoken to Charles Clarke and have invited him to meet this group of vice chancellors to discuss alternatives to top-up fees.

"They are from the kind of modern universities that most students go to and they are convinced they would be severely disadvantaged by this system."

In a letter to Mr Clarke Mr Edwards said: "My opposition is based on the concerns of students and their parents in my constituency where there are seven schools with sixth forms.

"It is also based on my own experience as a university lecturer." Assembly Education Minister Jane Davidson said: "On the issue of top-up fees we have always said that up-front tuition fees discourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds going into higher education.

"We will not be charging variable fees in Wales in the period to April 2007. "This is not necessarily ruling out variable fees for the longer term.

"As well as having an obligation to students, I have an obligation to ensure that our institutions are well funded and can compete on the world stage."