§ 18. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations his Department has had with the institutions of higher education in this country regarding the availability of suitable lodgings for students coming from the Colonial Territories under official schemes.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)The British Council is responsible to my Department for assisting recommended students from the dependent territories to find suitable living accommodation in the United Kingdom. The Council's Overseas Students Department in London and its area offices in the provinces maintain close and continuous touch with the educational institutions on this matter.
§ Mr. ThomsonWhile paying tribute to the work that the British Council does in this matter, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is increasing concern about the number of occasions when overseas students have experienced colour prejudice in seeking accommodation? Will he do all he can, in association with his colleagues, to try to prevent this sort of occurrence?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, naturally, the British Council does splendid work in this field, and the Government have shown their understanding of the problem by the recent announcement they made of the increased hostel places.