HC Deb 23 February 1967 vol 741 cc1935-8
15. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received over the proposed fees for overseas students.

Mr. Crosland

I have received representations from a considerable number of bodies. I am carefully considering these, and shall take them into account in subsequent consultations about the application of these proposals.

Mr. Winnick

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the decision to increase fees for overseas students is highly unpopular in academic circles and among students? Can he tell us now what is to be done to help future students as well as existing students? We expect some concessions today.

Mr. Crosland

Whatever my hon. Friend expects, I hope that he will at least do me the courtesy of listening to my speech this afternoon. He will then find that a large number of criticisms which have been made are highly inaccurate and totally false.

Mr. Hornby

Is it, then, the right hon. Gentleman's intention to reject the representations made by the Robbins Committee that overseas students should not be charged at a different rate from home students?

Mr. Crosland

I do not know how much time the hon. Gentleman has this afternoon, but, if he will be so courteous as to listen to what I may say later if I catch Mr. Speaker's eye, he will hear an extremely full answer to that question.

18. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in those cases where a university represents to him that some easement is merited on grounds of hardship, he will assist universities to meet the fees of students from underdeveloped countries affected by his recent decision on overseas students' fees.

Mr. Crosland

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford (Mr. Luard) on 14th February.—[Vol. 741, c. 73.]

Mr. Rose

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the suggestion implicit in the Question would allow a certain degree of selectivity to help students from underdeveloped countries while preserving their independence from their own Governments, and will he bear in mind the grave concern felt about this section of overseas students?

Mr. Crosland

I am very much aware of the concern which my hon. Friend expresses. It was for this reason that we decided to set up the fund which I announced last week. I hope also that, when we come to interpret the definition of a course, we shall do what we can to ease hardship.

Mr. Hogg

No doubt, we shall be discussing the general principles involved later today, but will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that there is, or there is likely to be, a great number of cases of hardship, and will he say how Members should deal with these in relation to their constituencies?

Mr. Crosland

As I shall hope to explain later today, if I catch Mr. Speaker's eye, we are now in process of drawing up the memorandum which will carry the concept of the hardship fund a good deal further. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman will allow me a few days, I shall hope to be able to answer his question regarding constituents.

Mr. John Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there are overseas students on non-advanced courses paying £30 a year in fees who, on the present proposals, will find their fees running up to £250 a year without any cushioning?

Mr. Crosland

I hope to be able to answer that question fully later this afternoon.

26. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much the setting up of a fund to provide for overseas students in need will reduce the expected savings from the increase in fees for overseas students.

Mr. Crosland

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await what I shall have to say in the debate later this afternoon.

Mr. van Straubenzee

When we are privileged to listen to that much-heralded speech—and I am happy to say that I shall be present—will the right hon. Gentleman bring into his computation the extension of the fund which was announced in the early morning of Tuesday by the Minister of State?

Mr. Crosland

Yes, Sir.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Would it not be better if the right hon. Gentleman answered the question now, so that the debate which follows can be more intelligible?

Mr. Crosland

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his kind advice. But, having followed this question, he will know that it is one of considerable intricacy, and it would probably be more helpful to the House if I could answer it at rather greater length than is possible at Question Time.