§ Mr. Luardasked the Minister of Education and Science whether he will, in co-operation with the Minister of Overseas Development, establish a fund to provide financial assistance to overseas students, accepted by institutions of higher education in this country but not assisted by Governments, who can give evidence of financial need.
§ Mr. CroslandThe Government have taken careful note of the representations made to them on the subject of increased fees, but remain of the opinion that the amount of public subsidy for overseas students must be brought under control. But as I have made clear on several occasions they appreciate that the increases may cause hardship in some cases, particularly where students already in this country are supported by their families. The Government therefore intend to set up a fund to enable grants74W to be made towards the increase in fees in cases where hardship can reasonably be claimed, with reference especially to students from developing countries. This will be additional to the arrangements already announced for helping students financed by H.M.G. and the Governments of developing countries. It is too soon to give details of these arrangements which will be the subject of further consultation, but the aim will be to ensure that those overseas students already here will not be prevented from completing their courses because they are unable to pay the increased fees. The longer term situation, especially as it affects the developing countries will be kept under review by the Departments concerned.