HC Deb 08 March 1956 vol 549 cc2291-2
20. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Education if he will introduce amending legislation so as to permit the awarding by the Government, in deserving cases, of university places to foreign nationals.

Sir D. Eccles

The British Council already has power to make awards to foreign students attending universities in this country, but the allocation of university places is entirely a matter for the universities themselves.

Mr. Snow

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw to the attention of that organisation the possibility of offering Miss Autherine Lucy a university place as a demonstration that in this country we are against racial intolerance?

Sir D. Eccles

There is no colour bar at any university in this country so far as I know; but I understand that the lady in question now has other preoccupations.

Mr. Snow

If the right hon. Gentleman read his newspaper, he would know that that is incorrect.

Mr. Gower

While it is obviously necessary and desirable that foreign students should have this opportunity, does not my right hon. Friend think that there are grounds for some priority for students from the British Commonwealth and Colonies?

Sir D. Eccles

We welcome students from both the Commonwealth and foreign countries.