HC Deb 08 November 1977 vol 938 cc89-90W
Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she is aware that, owing to confusion created by Circulars 1/77 and 8/77, regarding overseas students' fees, infill regulations and numbers of overseas students, some local authorities have taken action which may have a serious effect on teacher employment in further education; and if she will make a statement;

(2) what is the practice of her Department in defining the meaning of an infill student.

Mr. Oakes

My right hon. Friend has no evidence to suggest that the policies on tuition fees and overseas student numbers recommended in Circular 1/77 and approved for purposes of Section 41(2) of the Race Relations Act in Circular 8/77 are having a serious effect on teacher employment in further education.

Infill students have not ben specifically defined, but the term is normally taken to mean students taking up places on standard further education courses which are not exclusive to any group and for which the standard subsidised fees and not full-cost fees are appropriate.

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