HC Deb 19 July 1994 vol 247 cc137-8W
Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the conclusion of his discussions with the representatives of the universities and colleges about means of ensuring that postgraduate students and researchers from countries of proliferation concern do not gain access to technologies which could assist in the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. Boswell

I have written today to the chairmen of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, representing universities, and the Standing Conference of Principals, representing the higher education colleges, about the need agreed with them for careful consideration of applications from certain visiting researchers from overseas at postgraduate and post-doctoral levels in certain fields of scientific research. The Government have agreed to provide information and guidance to the universities and colleges on the countries and technologies of concern, for them to take into account when reaching their decisions. Copies of those letters have been placed in the Library.

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