§ 7. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Overseas Development what proposals he has to increase the number of Commonwealth students entering British universities; to study for first degrees and other equivalent courses.
§ Mr. OramNone, Sir. Most Commonwealth countries are now able to provide such courses in their own institutions. The policy of my Ministry is not to finance education and training in this country when suitable local facilities are available.
§ Mrs. ShortDoes not my hon. Friend agree that some of the facilities available are not up to the standard of our own university courses, and would he not further agree that this is a valid way of helping under-developed countries to improve their own standard of life, instead of continuing the immoral policy of bringing their trained people here?
§ Mr. OramIt is a question of how most economically to spend the finance which is available, and it is well established that the best way is to provide post-graduate training in this country and to assist with first degree courses in the countries concerned.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopI accept what my hon. Friend has said, but will he none the less make representations to the Secretary of State for Education and Science to try to persuade the universities to interpret as liberally as possible the new regulations regarding fees to be charged to overseas students?
§ Mr. OramPerhaps my hon. Friend will put a Question down to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.