§ 1. Mr. Raceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations his Department has received concerning the fees to be charged to students from Cyprus who are undergoing courses in the United Kingdom.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. William Waldegrave)A number of representations have been received from hon. Members and from interested bodies seeking concessions on tuition fees for students from Cyprus.
§ Mr. RaceHow many student placings will be funded by the £1 million which I understand has been earmarked by the Government? Is the Minister satisfied that the proposed arrangements will allow as many Cypriot students as want to obtain places in the United Kingdom to be accepted?
§ Mr. WaldegraveI confirm that £1 million has been allocated for each of the next three years to increase the number of Cypriot students corning to Great Britain. It is too early to say how many that will support, as the arrangements are still under discussion.
§ Mr. Rhodes JamesIs my hon. Friend aware that the Government's acceptance of the Overseas Students Trust report has given great pleasure to those who had the privilege of working on the report?
§ Mr. WaldegraveI know that my hon. Friend played a significant part in the writing of that report. The Government have made progress on the basis of the report.
§ Mr. Christopher PriceAs Cyprus is an associate member of the European Community, is there any chance of giving Cypriots privileges similar to those that we already give to Guadaloupe, Réunion, Saint Pierre, Miquelon and other French dependencies, which would allow Cypriots to come here at home student fee rates as do students from Greece, which is closely connected with Cyprus, and Hong Kong?
§ Mr. WaldegravePlainly, the assignment of a considerable sum of money to Cyprus will lessen the gap to which the hon. Gentleman referred.