HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc1428-9
10. Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with Commonwealth Governments concerning the application of the new scale of fees to students from developing Commonwealth countries who do not receive Government scholarships or assistance.

Mr. George Thomas

Commonwealth authorities are being consulted about the application of the new scale of fees to all categories of overseas students, including private students from the developing Commonwealth countries.

Mr. McNamara

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask whether he is aware that recently the High Commissioner of Jamaica is reported as saying that we have lost a wonderful opportunity of discriminating in favour of Commonwealth students? Can he, while these regulations are still in a state of flux, make representation to the Secretary of State for Education and Science to have a special concession made to Commonwealth students?

Mr. Thomas

We have received no formal representation from any Commonwealth Government on this question. The House should remember that there are 1,400 students from the developing countries of the Commonwealth who are being financed entirely by the British Government, and who will have the increase of fees met by the British taxpayer.

Mr. Wood

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the people most affected are not those to whom Common wealth Governments are giving assistance!

Mr. Thomas

We ourselves are helping 1,400 students whose Commonwealth Governments are not helping them.

Commonwealth Governments are helping some, and we are helping others. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, we have taken special steps to help protect those developing countries where students have to pay £50 extra. The money will be refunded to their Government, if the Government is paying it.

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