HC Deb 27 June 1951 vol 489 cc1377-9
64. Mr. Peter Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the British Council propose to admit colonial students to the Hans Crescent Hostel for the academic year only and not for the calendar year; whether he is aware of the hardship which will be caused to students, most of whom have no home to go to; and whether he will consult with the British Council with a view to aiming at a more satisfactory arrangement.

Mr. Cook

Students are admitted to the Hans Crescent Residence on the understanding that a proportion of them will be required to leave at the end of June each year, which is the end of the academic year, to make room for freshmen. As the Council will find alternative accommodation for them no question of hardship will arise. My right hon. Friend is in close consultation with the Council about this matter and he is assured by them that the arrangements at Hans Crescent are in the best interests of the students as a whole.

Mr. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that students enter the hostel not on the understanding that they will have to leave in June, but on an undertaking that they will stay until June? What is the reason for the academic year being adopted when it does not correspond with their studies?

Mr. Cook

My information is that all students sign an undertaking to the effect that they will leave at the end of the academic year. We could split hairs on this, but the fact is that they are led clearly to understand that they should leave at the end of the academic year.

65. Mr. P. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the hardship caused to Colonial students by the proposed closing of their hostel at Hans Crescent for cleaning and staff holidays; and whether he will approach the British Council with a view to ensuring that the hostel, which has only been open for nine months, shall remain open through the summer.

Mr. Cook

The British Council, which is responsible for the welfare and accommodation of these students, have assured my right hon. Friend that none of them suffers hardship owing to the temporary closing of the Hans Crescent Hostel for two weeks.

Mr. Smithers

Surely, the Minister could ensure that this hostel is so administered that it can be cleaned without having to close it altogether?

Mr. Cook

There are a great many difficulties in applying that suggestion.

Commander Noble

Does the hon. Gentleman mean by his original answer that alternative accommodation is found for these students?

Mr. Cook

Yes, Sir.

66. Mr. P. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consult with the British Council and the Treasury with a view to providing further hostel accommodation for Colonial students of a similar character to that now existing at Hans Crescent Hostel.

Mr. Cook

Consideration is being given to the possibility of finding another hostel in London especially to provide for freshmen and students needing accommodation during vacations.

Mr. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that the existing hostel has given great satisfaction to those who are able to occupy it, and will he do everything possible to expedite the new one?

Mr. Cook

Yes, Sir.