HC Deb 15 February 1962 vol 653 cc1489-90
6. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress has been made with the scheme for increased residential accommodation for overseas students.

Mr. Braine

The initial response to the scheme from voluntary organisations has been very satisfactory, and up to 12th February approval had been given in principle to twenty-six projects involving 1,113 additional beds. The need for new hostels is still very great, and the British Council would be pleased to give advice and help to other organisations which contemplate providing them.

Mr. Thomson

I welcome that reply, but may I ask whether the Joint Under-Secretary can say how many new places for overseas students will be available for the new academic year next autumn? Is he satisfied that the voluntary organisations are in a position to take up the full benefits of the offer made by his right hon. Friend last year?

Mr. Braine

I am not sure that I can answer the first supplementary question. The approved scheme provides for 557 beds in London and 556 beds outside. Of course, as I think the hon. Gentleman knows, the scheme was designed to supplement, and not to replace, the efforts of voluntary bodies, but the British Council is most anxious to help any suitable organisation to make provision of this kind.

Mr. Peter Emery

Does my hon. Friend realise that many of the private citizens who are organising themselves together to find more accommodation are doing so often without the knowledge of his Department? Does he realise that a group of citizens in Reading are trying to raise money for Foley Hall but do not know what his Department will do? Will he, therefore, reexamine the publicity given to the work of his Department in assisting in this manner?

Mr. Braine

I understand that we are already assisting in one scheme in Reading, but I am sure that my hon. Friend's supplementary question, and this exchange, will help to provide the necessary publicity.