HC Deb 04 June 1980 vol 985 c720W
Mr. Dickens

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence he has that there is a growing level of arrears of fees due from Iranian students; and if he will take special steps to alleviate the problems being faced, in consequence, by institutions of higher education, in view of the special circumstances.

Dr. Boyson

There is some evidence of non-payment of fees by Iranian students. Action on this is the responsibility of institutions and local education authorities.

Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students in higher education coming from EEC countries other than Great Britain will enjoy home-student status in respect of full-cost fees; and what effect this provision will have on the policy of Her Majesty's Government of reducing public expenditure.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

In 1978–79 there were 2,270 students from other EEC countries following courses of higher education in Great Britain. It is estimated that if the same number of students were on such courses in 1980–81 the cost to public funds of charging the home rate of fee would be about £1.3 million in the financial years 1980–81 rising to about £3.6 million by 1983–84.