§ 40. Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord Privy Seal what is now the estimated sum which his Department will expend on support for overseas students in the United Kingdom in the current financial year; and approximately how many students will benefit.
§ Mr. Neil Marten£41 million, from which about 12,000 students and trainees will have benefited during this period.
§ Mr. HooleyIs the Minister aware that I have evidence from the University of Sheffield that the savage increase in overseas students' fees has had a damaging impact on the intake of overseas students? Does he not agree that if this 27 phenomenon is widespread he has a duty to bring compensatory funds to bear to support overseas students, particularly from the poorer countries, whose chances of higher education have been virtually eliminated by the Government's policy to date?
§ Mr. MartenI do not think so, but if the hon. Gentleman sends me the figures that he mentioned I shall look at them.