§ 33. Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister for Overseas Development what will be the additional charge on the overseas aid budget as a result of the increase in fees for overseas students studying in the United Kingdom and subsidised by his Department: (a) in 1976–77 and (b) in a full year.
§ Mr. JuddThe fee increases announced on 16th December last year are likely to increase the charge to the aid programme for overseas students supported from my Department's current programmes of technical co-operation by about £600,000 for the academic year 1976–77 and by similar amounts in subsequent years. Those announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science on 5th July last would result in a further addition of the order of £1.75 million starting in the academic year 1977–78.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes my hon. Friend agree that this represents a cut in the aid budget unless countervailing increases are made available to offset the scheme? Is he pressing the Treasury for these increases?
§ Mr. JuddI agree that the scheme represents an increased allocation from within the aid programme for this purpose, but it is an important purpose and I have no doubt that the Government will be bearing that in mind in their present considerations.
§ Mr. DalyellIs my hon. Friend aware that a lot of us think that the Government are right in this matter?