HC Deb 20 February 1978 vol 944 c496W
Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will indicate the eligibility of overseas students for educational grants for higher education.

Mr. Oakes

Under the regulations—The Local Education Authority Awards Regulations 1977 S.I. 1977 No. 1307—which govern mandatory awards a local education authority is not under a duty to make an award to a person unless he has been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for three years immediately preceding the first year of the course. Authorities have discretionary powers to make other awards for which they determine their own conditions of eligibility.

In making awards for postgraduate study my Department normally applies the 3 year rule. I understand that the practice of other Departments and the Research Councils is similar.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will publish the numbers of overseas students who subsequent to their arrival are in receipt of educational grants.

Mr. Oakes

My Department does not collect this information.