§ 2.47 p.m.
§ Lord Merlyn-Rees asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ How universities have responded to the need to make student places available to Bosnian refugees, and what is the position as regards fees.
Viscount AstorMy Lords, about 60 universities in the United Kingdom have indicated their willingness to help students displaced by the war in former Yugoslavia by providing places on courses and waiving tuition fees. The institutions individually have the discretion to determine fee levels for their courses; this extends to abating or waiving fees in the light of individual circumstances.
§ Lord Merlyn-ReesMy Lords, what an excellent answer to a first Question! I could ask for nothing better. All I hope is that the department will co-ordinate the scheme. I am glad to hear what has been said about fees because that is a difficult factor. I thank the noble Viscount very much for the Answer. I look forward to seeing the results in the terms ahead.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, if the Minister is so satisfied with my noble friend's remarks, perhaps I may extend it a little wider. Is it not the case that Clause 6 of the Asylum Bill now before another place provides that, if a student studying here is an applicant for asylum but fails to achieve it, he or she may be sent back immediately without finishing the university or college course? Does the Minister feel that that is in accord with the helpful Answer that he gave to my noble friend earlier?
Viscount AstorMy Lords, asylum seekers have their applications screened. They are issued with an acknowledgment letter which allows them to apply for social security and housing benefit. They are assessed for benefit according to criteria which take into account individual circumstances. After six months those who have applied for asylum may seek leave to vary their leave to remain to allow them to seek employment. That is normally granted. It is the Government's policy that people will not be returned to an active war zone.