HC Deb 16 March 1967 vol 743 cc690-2
12. Mr. Henry Clark

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many students and apprentices from developing countries are studying and being trained in this country; what percentage this is of the total number of overseas students and apprentices; and what is the real cost of their education to this country.

Mr. Oram

In 1965–66, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of full-time students and practical trainees who were in this country for at least six months and who came from developing countries was about 53,700. Of these, about 7,100 were taking professional, industrial, or other practical courses. Some of these may have been apprentices. The total number of overseas students and practical trainees was about 71,400. About 75 per cent. therefore came from developing countries. The variety of courses, and of institutions both public and private, and the varying length of courses, make it impossible to estimate the real cost to this country.

Mr. Clark

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am sure that the House will agree that the country can be proud of these figures? Can he assure us that the full cost is being assessed by the Ministry and that, before the Secretary of State for Education and Science made his ill-judged announcement of 22nd December about raising fees, he was fully aware of the facts we have just been given?

Mr. Oram

I am sure that my right hon. Friend was fully informed of these figures but, in estimating the cost, the difficulty lies in trying to reach an average figure over a great variety of circumstances.

Mr. Molloy

Would not my hon. Friend agree that making it possible for students and apprentices to go from this country to developing countries to continue their studies and apprenticeships is also a very good way of assisting developing countries and of Britain receiving assistance from developing countries?

Mr. Oram

I agree. I am shortly, I hope, to enter into discussions with representative bodies in this country to see how this kind of operation can be increased.

Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

Does not my hon. Friend also agree that, in many developing countries, the need for competent craftsmen and artisans is much more urgent than the need for university graduates? Will he look at the possibility of expanding such facilities, which are much less expensive than university education?

Mr. Oram

I have indicated that I am taking action of this kind. As to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I would say that there is an enormous demand for both kinds of skill.