HC Deb 20 January 1967 vol 739 cc141-3W
Mr. Luard

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Circular 27/66 proposing an increase in fees for students from outside the United Kingdom is intended to reduce the number of such students studying in Great Britain, or to increase the amount of overseas currency earned in respect of their courses; and if he will give an estimate of the anticipated reduction in the number of overseas students from the Commonwealth and foreign countries, respectively, and of the increased earnings anticipated in sterling and foreign currency, in 1967–68, and in a subsequent full year when the proposed arrangements are fully effective.

Mr. Crosland

The intention of the Government's decision which I announced on 21st December was to reduce the cost to the Exchequer of the concealed subsidy to overseas students represented by the difference between the cost of providing courses and the tuition fees. Even the higher fees will cover on average only about one-third of the cost. The level

working capital. Rates in the last five years were as follows:

of subsidy will still be greater than it was five years ago.

As to the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Beckenham. —[Vol. 739, c. 105.]

Mr. Luard

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what length of residence or employment in this country is required before a Commonwealth citizen and a foreign subject, respectively, is exempt from the requirement to pay the enhanced fees for students from outside the United Kingdom prescribed in Circular 27/66.

Mr. Crosland

The Circular is intended to apply from the beginning of the 1967 –68 session to further education students who have by then been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for less than three years.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if his Department will give additional help to overseas students studying in this country with grants from private trusts, or on their own resources, to enable them to meet the increased fees which they will be charged from October 1967.

Mr. Crosland

No.