§ 38. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals for assisting students from Bangladesh who may have to give up their studies prematurely because of lack of funds arising from recent events.
§ Mr. KershawIn the exceptional circumstances, the Supplementary Benefits Commission is prepared temporarily to help those students from the area who have not enough means to continue to maintain themselves while studying here. My right hon. Friend the Minister for306W Overseas Development is providing additional awards in the present academic year to cover the fees of such students whose normal means of support has been interrupted. I hope these exceptional and temporary arrangements, covering both maintenance and academic fees, will ensure that none of these students will have to give up their studies prematurely because of lack of funds.
§ 56. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now arrange for the recognition of Bangladesh, following the release of Sheikh Mujib by the Pakistan Government; if he will ensure that all the diplomatic channels of his Department are put at the disposal of the new State of Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement.
§ 57. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government expects to recognise the new authorities in Dacca.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI have nothing to add at this stage to my statement of 18th January. We are at all levels in working touch with the Bangladesh administration.—[Vol. 829, c. 215–17.]