§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the effect of recent increases in educational fees on overseas students; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Prentice:The proposed increases in tuition fees will come into effect in the academic year 1975–76. These fees represent a relatively small proportion of overseas students' costs, which are mainly travel and maintenance. Many overseas students are supported by their own Governments. Those supported by the British Government aid programme will receive increases in assistance equal to the rise in fees. I am asking local education authorities and universities to exercise discretion in cases of hardship, and this applies to overseas students as to others.