The advocates of reimposing fees have suggested that their abolition has damaged the fortunes of disadvantaged groups. What is the actual situation revealed by Clancy and Wall? Between 1992, when fees were charged, and 1998, two years after their abolition, the national participation rate increased from 36% to 46% or about a quarter. What about the participation rate of the lowest socio-economic group during that period? It almost doubled from 12% to 22%.