HC Deb 06 March 1972 vol 832 cc1011-2
10. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the greater demand for married as opposed to single overseas student accommodation, if he will allocate to married housing a proportion of the Overseas Student Welfare Expansion Programme residual fund; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Royle

Since the beginning of 1966 up to 30 per cent. of the accommodation provided under this scheme has been for married students, their wives and children. For the remainder of the programme, amounting to over £800,000, it is intended to increase this proportion.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Is my hon. Friend aware how much the accommodation crisis vitiates overseas aid in this important area of education and is he also aware how much a change in the proportion of the fund given to married accommodation will be welcomed by those housing trusts and associations which can make a contribution, however small, in this programme? May I urge my hon. Friend to make a decision on this matter as quickly as possible?

Mr. Royle

This is an important matter and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for tabling his Question. A total of 5,450 units of accommodation have so far been provided under the scheme of which 1,656 are for married students and their wives and children. Further units for 795 students have been approved of which 158 will be for married students, their wives and children.

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