SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES could get a substantial cash injection if MPs give the go-ahead for controversial top-up fees in England, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

A percentage share of any increase in public spending south of the Border is automatically passed on to the Scottish Executive through the Barnett formula.

The Oxford-based Higher Education Policy Institute, an education policy think-tank, has estimated that the setting-up costs of top-up fees and associated bursaries in England could be £2.4 billion.

If that proves to be the case, the Executive could expect a £240 million windfall over the next decade.

However, ministers would not be obliged to spend the cash on improving Scottish universities.

The Executive received £47 million as the “consequence” of Chancellor Gordon Brown’s recent pre-budget statement but have yet to announce how the cash will be spent.

“Any increase in public sector spending in England would lead to additional funding for Scotland under Barnett consequentials,” an Executive spokesman said yesterday.

“It would be for ministers to decide where the extra funding is to be allocated.”

Meanwhile, it was looking increasingly likely yesterday that MPs will approve top-up fees when they vote next week.

Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday was said to be heading off a backbench revolt over the contentious issue.

A growing number of rebel MPs have pledged to back him in the crucial Commons vote after winning key concessions.

Mr Blair has confidently predicted he would still be in office at the end of next week, which will see the fees vote followed by the publication of Lord Hutton’s report into the death of Government scientist Dr David Kelly.

More than 150 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion opposing the plan to introduce variable fees of up to £3000 a year.

The Government needs to keep the rebellion below 83 to avoid a defeat that would undermine the authority of Mr Blair and Education Secretary Charles Clarke.