§ Mr. Parkerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why 42 alien students are entertained by the Government at Somerville College, Oxford, at a charge of three and a half guineas weekly, of which two guineas are paid to them for pocket money; and why there is such a contrast between their treatment and that of anti-Nazi aliens anxious to assist in the Allied war effort?
§ Mr. ButlerThe students in question were invited to this country by the British Council for educational purposes, on the recommendation of the British Embassy or Legation in their countries of origin, all of which are either Allied or neutral. They are at present following the Oxford vacation course at Somerville College at a cost of 11s. 6d. a day for board and lodging; in addition each student receives a total grant of £8, covering the whole course, for all incidental Expenses. There can be no comparison between the circumstances and treatment of these students, who had been invited by the 1185W British Council to come to this country before the outbreak of the war, and other alien residents in this country for whose presence neither His Majesty's Government nor the Council has responsibility.