Plans to introduce fees have caused a backlash from students and some MPs Q&A: Tuition fees and Wales

The Higher Education Bill set out before parliament on Thursday includes changes which will allow the Welsh Assembly Government to scrap upfront fees payable by parents.

However, the government is facing a rebellion over the legislation from its own backbench MPs, including some in Wales.

Mr Clarke told Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd: "One of the things this bill will do when it's introduced is to devolve higher education student support to Wales.

"If the bill falls, that too will go."

Among the package unveiled in Westminster are plans to charge students in England up to �3,000 a year for their university education

Jane Davidson could be given powers over student fees

Repayments of fees for those graduates will only begin when they start earning �15,000 a year.

Welsh Secretary and Commons leader Peter Hain welcomed the move to devolve power over student support funding to Wales.

He said it was "an excellent deal for Welsh students... and parents because upfront fees will be abolished."

Mr Hain said it would give the assembly the authority to determine student support for further and higher education students in Wales, regardless of where they study in the UK - as well as full responsibility for tuition fees.

However, more than 150 MPs have already signalled their opposition to plans to introduce the fees.

But Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones, who had previously signed a motion opposing higher tuition fees, said he would now support the Government's plans.

PLANS AT A GLANCE Existing upfront fees end 2006 Fees then vary - up to �3,000 a year with repayments once graduates earn �15,000+ Students from poorest homes to get up to �3,000 of help a year made up of: - �1,200 fees subsidy - �1,500 means-tested grant - �300 university bursaries Means-tested �1,000 grants from 2004 rising to �1,500 from 2006 Low-interest student loan up to �4,000 a year Loan and fee debts written off after 25 years New access regulator Q&A: Tuition fees Scottish fears on fees impact Threat to Welsh funds

Mr Jones said he signed the motion to ask for greater details on the plans and now they had been published, he was happy to vote for them.

Several other Welsh Labour MPs raised questions with Mr Clarke .

Huw Edwards, the MP for Monmouth and a former university lecturer, said he was concerned about the impact on newer universities.

Cardiff Central's Jon Owen Jones asked for the issue to be referred to a commission.

Conwy's Betty Williams was concerned about variable fees and the possibility that they could damage higher education if they do not work out.

If the bill does become law, an independent review will be carried out in Wales, before the assembly makes a final decision on what to do about fees.

In its manifesto ahead of the 2003 assembly elections, Labour in Wales pledged not to increase fees before the end of its term in power in May 2007.

Last month, students from across Wales protested at Cardiff Bay, urging the assembly government to rule out top-up fees for good.