HC Deb 26 May 1960 vol 624 c669
27. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Education how many residential schools for overseas students are inspected by his Department.

Sir D. Eccles

At their request, five residential establishments which provide courses for overseas students over compulsory school age have been inspected by Her Majesty's inspectors and been recognised by my Department as efficient.

Mr. Mayhew

What about the other residential schools? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these schools which have foreign students take advantage of the fact that parents cannot easily check up on them and are charging very high fees for poor food conditions and tuition? Would he agree that it is of the greatest importance to ensure that students who come to this country are property and fairly looked after?

Sir D. Eccles

I agree with the last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. While not accepting his description of these residential colleges, the fact is that I have no power to arrange for an inspection of independent establishments providing courses solely for students over compulsory age unless they ask me to do so.