HC Deb 31 January 1967 vol 740 cc72-4W
Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of overseas students at United Kingdom universities and other places of higher education is financed from official British sources; and what percentage is financed by the Governments of developing countries.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Last year some 15 per cent. of overseas students at U.K. universities and a small number at colleges of further education were financed from British official sources. About 22 per cent. of university students from developing countries were financed by their own Government or Government agencies. Comparable information is not available for colleges of further education.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will consider the introduction of reduced rates for overseas students who are unable to afford she new scale of fees which he has announced:

(2) how many overseas students studying in Great Britain will be likely to be affected by the increased fees to be charged in each academic year; and what percentage of these is estimated to come from underdeveloped countries.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Of the 71,000 overseas students in the United Kingdom some 32,000, of whom about 24,000 come from developing countries, are covered by the Government's decision. However, no additional cost will fall on those receiving British Government grants or on those already embarked on courses who are supported by the governments of developing countries. If a university should consider that some easement is merited in particular cases on grounds of hardship it is within its power to charge a reduced fee and to make good the difference from its own resources.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what investigations were made to ascertain the number of students from overseas whose studies in Great Britain are financed by their families, by work in this country and by other means before the decision to raise educational fees charged to overseas students was taken; and whether he is satisfied that no one will suffer hardship or be prevented from undertaking a course as a result of the increases.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The Government's decision was made after taking account of the information available to the British Council. Because any increase in fees may cause hardship to some students steps have been taken to ease the position of students already embarked on courses.