§ 77. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress has been made under his programme for providing additional hostel places for Commonwealth and other overseas students.
§ Mr. BottomleyMy right hon. Friend announced in January that the Govern-52W ment had made available another £2½ million for hostel projects as the £¾ million made available in 1961 was fully committed.
By 14th July, 1966, a total of 89 projects had been approved comprising 4,076 places, of which 2,171 are in London. Another 11 schemes now under consideration are likely to provide a further 417 places. If all these projects are completed, the total beds provided will amount to 4,493 at a cost of £3,092,827. These will include 1,118 places for married students, their wives and, in some cases, their children.
The number of places so far actually available is 2,639, including 976 for married students and their wives. The total of grants paid is £1,800,048 It has been possible to achieve this result because of the ready co-operation of private and voluntary organisations who have responded so well to the opportunity presented by the programme.