§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when, and on whose initiative, the arrangement was made under which 150 Eire citizens are allowed annually to enter British colleges of education for the purpose of undertaking the teachers' training course without payment of tuition fees; how long it is to last; and what is the estimated cost to public funds.
§ Mrs. ThatcherUntil 1968 Eire residents were admitted to colleges of education in England and Wales as recognised students at the discretion of84W the Secretary of State. Such recognition was normally granted to students who were recommended by the college concerned and intended to teach in this country. In 1968 the rule was changed and admission generally was limited to persons who had been resident in England and Wales for three years or more. To avoid disruption of recruitment it was agreed with the Catholic Education Council that a quota of 150 Eire residents annually should be admitted exceptionally on condition that they should remain to teach in schools in England and Wales. This arrangement is due for review in 1974. The cost to public funds is about £400,000 annually.