§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he has taken or intends to take to reduce the estimated 8,187 Iranian students in Great Britain during 1980–81, at an estimated cost to public funds of £10.3 million.
§ Dr. BoysonThe admission of students is a matter for the academic institutions concerned, but as it is Government policy progressively to withdraw subsidies from overseas, including Iranian students, beginning with those starting new courses on or after 1 September 1980 the cost to public funds will fall steeply during the current year and be reduced to negligible proportions by September 1982. The figures quoted by the hon. Member relate to the academic year 1979–80; figures for 1980–81 are not yet available.