Fewer young people from the affluent Bristol West constituency went to university last year than a decade before.

But some more deprived areas of the city saw a significant increase in the number of undergraduates over that time.

Government figures were published this week in response to a Parliamentary question from the Conservatives.

The figures showed how many young people, from each constituency, began an undergraduate university course in 1997/98 and in 2007/08.

The Bristol West figure was 590, down from 610. The other three city constituencies saw increases: Bristol East 275 (185), Bristol North West 310 (265), Bristol South 190 (145).

Neighbouring constituencies' figures were: Kingswood 385 (325), Northavon 560 (495), Bath 495 (360), Wansdyke 500 (390), Weston-super- Mare 425 (345), Woodspring 565 (535).

Higher education minister David Lammy said the figures represented a 25 per cent overall increase in the numbers entering higher education.

"There has been considerable growth over the past 10 years across the country, but it is particularly encouraging to see the marked growth in some of the most disadvantaged areas," he said.

But Tory David Willetts said the total number of young people was higher than a decade ago so the proportion of undergraduates was static. He said there was now zero chance of Labour hitting its target of having half of all young people at university by 2010.

"Ministers must do better because we cannot afford to let our young people become the victims of the recession," he said.

Charlotte Leslie, would-be Tory MP for Bristol North West, said:"A university career begins at school, but shockingly this year, one in eight pupils left school with no more than an E grade at GCSE.

"Giving our young people the qualifications, education and skills to compete in the global economy is more important than ever in these difficult economic times.

"It is no good simply setting more targets and aspirations, we must make sure that young people leave school equipped for futher education, and that there are places at university available for them."