§ 4. Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of the savings in administrative and other costs which have been achieved by the increase in fees for overseas students; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given on 13th July to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Woodside (Mr. Carmichael).—[Vol. 750 c. 125.]
§ Mr. MolloyHas the whole operation been worth the candle? Has my hon. Friend devised any new ideas to help those students who have been placed in difficulty and hardship?
§ Mr. RobertsThe initial estimate of savings has, on further detailed examination, been confirmed. With regard to the possibility of hardship, we are fully satisfied that the fund which we have set up, serviced by the British Council and the Advisory Board, will meet all deserving cases.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeIs not the principal lesson to be learnt from the whole episode referred to in the Question that matters of this sort ought not to be instituted without proper consultation with the universities?
§ Mr. RobertsI cannot accept that there was not consultation with the interests concerned, but I take full note of what the hon. Gentleman has said. 944 Our Department has a very good record of consultation with the universities and everybody concerned with higher education.