§ 98. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that two Malayan students were ordered by his Department to give up their studies in London within a few months of the completion of their course of three years and return home because they visited the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China during their summer vacation; and what restrictions he places on colonial students as to where they spend their holidays.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. The hon. Member doubtless has in mind the case of an officer of the Johore State Civil Service holding a Johore State Civil Service Scholarship who disobeyed his Government's instruction that he should not undertake the visit in question. His scholarship was therefore withdrawn by the Johore State authorities who instructed him to return home. He has hitherto refused to obey these instructions. He was accompanied by his wife on the visit and the State Government also decided that she should be offered her passage home so that she could accompany her husband. My Department does not normally place restrictions on colonial students' choice where they should spend their holidays and did not do so in this case.
§ 99. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Malayan students are now studying in this country under financially-aided schemes; how many are taking arts and how many science courses; and what assurances have been given that they will return to their own country on completing their course to help in its economic development.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSix hundred and fifty-seven, from the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, of whom six are
* [See Mr. Lennox-Boyd's correction in OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th March, 195.5, Vol. 537, col. 424.]
58Wtaking arts and 179 science courses. All are required to return to their own country for service after completion of their studies.