§ 14. Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Overseas Development what assistance is being given by his Department to universities in developing countries; and what steps he will take to increase this assistance.
§ Mr. OramAssistance is being given by way of capital grants and loans for buildings and equipment, help with the recruitment and payment of British staff and contributions towards the cost of links and other arrangements intended to increase co-operation between British universities and those in developing countries. As for ways in which we are trying to increase this assistance and its effectiveness, I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent White Paper on the work of the Ministry.
§ Mr. HamlingWhile appreciating the extent of the aid already given—publicity about which has been very slight—may I ask my hon. Friend whether he recalls that, in the recent debate about overseas students at British universities, it was said that, in many countries, there were not the university facilities available? Yet the fees have been increased for students here.
§ Mr. OramIt is well known that many developing countries lack all the facilities they need, but we are doing all that it is possible for us to do to help them fulfil this need.