HC Deb 26 April 1967 vol 745 cc307-8W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students are receiving grants; at what annual cost; and from which countries mostly they come.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Grants to overseas students from British public funds are made under a number of schemes including those for Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth Bursaries, Technical Assistance programmes, British Council Scholarships and the Athlone Fellowships. My right hon. Friend is not responsible for any of these schemes, but I understand that in 1965–66 the total number of students covered by them (including 517 students receiving awards from Local Education Authorities as under equivalent arrangements) was 3,132, the great majority of whom came from developing countries. More detailed questions regarding the schemes for which he is responsible are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development. Many other overseas students are in receipt of grants from their own governments or from voluntary organisations.