§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Rhodesian students of all races have been admitted to the United Kingdom for scholastic and other courses; which are those courses, and where pursued; how many possess United Kingdom, Rhodesian, and other passports or travel documents, respectively; what is the machinery for liaison with the Rhodesian authorities and in particular, for ensuring that the students can find useful employment in Rhodesia on completion of their courses; and whether he will make a statement of Government policy.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonThe number of Rhodesian citizens admitted to the United Kingdom as students during the six months ended 30th June, which is the latest period for which published figures are available, was 188; but that had increased to about 700 by the end of September.
Detailed information about the passports carried by Rhodesian citizens on arrival is not available.
It is not possible to say to which courses all Rhodesians have sought admission, or where they are being held. The courses for which the Ministry of Overseas Development has given awards are post O level ones having either academic or direct vocational purposes. Priority is given to students proposing to take courses which would equip them to contribute to the development of an independent Rhodesia. There is no 761W machinery for liaison of the kind suggested with the illegal régime.
The Government's policy on Rhodesian students was set out in an announcement made on Friday 10th October, of which I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy.