§ 2. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the rules at present in force governing the temporary admission of foreign students, particularly United States citizens, to study in Britain and the conditions under which they are allowed to do so, particularly conditions relating to their taking temporary employment while in Britain, and the meaning of the terms "employment" and "temporary employment" in this context.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeA foreigner who wants to come here as a student should have a place definitely reserved for him for full-time study in a university, technical college, school of art or other institution of comparable standard, and have made satisfactory arrangements for his accommodation and maintenance. Students are required to have the means to meet their expenses without taking employment, but temporary permission may be given to take a job during the long vacation provided that the work is of a kind for which the Ministry of Labour and National Service are prepared to issue a permit for the employment of foreign labour.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Home Secretary think that the words "employment" and "temporary employment" are construed too narrowly? Would it not be an advantage, both culturally and industrially, to construe them more widely?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI do not think so. As I said in my Answer, permission can be given for temporary employment during the long vacation. As the hon. and learned Member knows, we are anxious to help every student concerned. We cannot do more than that.
§ Mr. GowerIs there, in fact, any distinction, such as might be inferred from 1340 the wording of the Question, between students from the United States and those from other countries?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeNo, Sir. There are no different rules for any students.