HC Deb 20 April 1967 vol 745 cc795-6
30. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the fund will be in operation to provide assistance towards the increase in fees for overseas students in cases of hardship; and what will be the size of the fund.

35. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary for Education and Science what is the total sum which the Government will provide to relieve hardship arising from the increase in fees for overseas students; how this sum will be administered; and what information he has received from universities and local authorities about the sums they are setting aside for the same purpose.

Mr. Crosland

I have now formulated specific proposals for the administration of this fund, and I am writing today to a number of interested organisations to ask their views on these proposals. I am circulating the terms of the letter in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. van Straubenzee.

Mr. van Straubenzee

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. With respect, I do not think that the Secretary of State had finished.

Mr. Crosland

No, I had not.

I am proposing that provision should be made, subject to the approval of Parliament, for a fund of up to £½ million in the academic year 1967–68 to cover cases of proven need where a student might otherwise have to curtail studies which have a reasonable prospect of leading to a qualification.

I have no comprehensive information from universities and local authorities about any sums which they are setting aside for the same purpose.

Mr. van Straubenzee

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that information, albeit given somewhat reluctantly, it now being four months after he made his initial announcement, when does he expect that this fund and its administration will be complete so that overseas students know exactly where they stand?

Mr. Crosland

I would hope in a very few weeks.

Mr. Hooley

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to give a directive to local authorities that they should set up such funds?

Mr. Crosland

No, Sir. It would not be appropriate, in our normal relationships with local authorities, that I should give them a directive to set up a fund for this or any other purpose.