§ 34. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities are available for Rhodesian Africans who apply for aid to study in the United Kingdom; and to what extent such facilities are being provided.
§ Mr. KershawHer Majesty's Government help through the Special Commonwealth Programme. Our contribution offers awards to suitably qualified candidates under three schemes: the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan; the Commonwealth Teacher Training Bursary Scheme; and the Technical Assistance Training Programme. Since 1966 awards under these schemes have totalled 299, of which 133 are current.
§ Mr. JenkinsI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that some authorities—for example, the North-East Regional Hospital Board—are telling applicants that they have been in touch with the Secretary of State for Education in Salisbury, Rhodesia, and that there is no need for them to come to this country? Will he remind such authorities that the Smith régime is still illegal, that they ought not to be in communication with it and that the régime is likely to remain illegal?
§ Mr. KershawI have no information about the facts which the hon. Gentleman puts forward. I will communicate them to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.