Vince Cable's choice for universities watchdog vetoed by MPs The Education Secretary, Michael Gove, was privately alarmed by the prospect of such a radical candidate. The Prime Minister was also said to have been "deeply concerned." During the hearing last week, Prof Ebdon, vice-chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said he would be prepared to hit universities with huge financial penalties if they did not open their doors to disadvantaged students. Under new rules, any university in England attempting to charge more than £6,000 in fees must draw up an "access agreement" with the director of fair access. This sets out how universities will ensure higher fees do not deter the poor. The agreements include admissions targets, the amount of money invested in fee discounts and bursaries, and details of schemes to boost recruitment. The Office for Fair Access has the power to fine universities £500,000 for missing targets and can stop them charging more than £6,000 in annual fees. Prof Ebdon told the committee that limiting fees was a "significant sanction." If you ever say you will never press the nuclear button, then you don't have a nuclear button. Clearly, I would be prepared (to use it) if people didn't (hit their targets). Prof Ebdon is understood to have failed to convince the MPs that he understands why universities find it difficult to recruit more students from deprived neighbourhoods, state schools and colleges. Oxford has warned that the number of candidates from working-class homes who are suitably qualified for highly academic degree courses is limited. Other institutions have said the focus should be on improving education in state secondary schools so more candidates gain straight As at A-level. Prof Ebdon's remarks were criticised by senior Conservatives, including Graham Stuart, the chairman of the education committee. David Willetts, the universities minister who backed Prof Ebdon's candidacy, said the appointment was "vital to achieving our ambitions" for increasing the number of candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.