HC Deb 10 December 1979 vol 975 c429W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many Iranian students are currently studying at (a) United Kingdom schools and (b) United Kingdom colleges and universities.

Dr. Boyson

In 1977–78, the latest year for which information is available, there were 10,079 students from Iran studying at universities and maintained, grant-aided and assisted establishments of further and higher education in the United Kingdom. Additional information, from the British Council, about students at private colleges and in professional training indicates that the total including them would be about 12,000.

My Department does not collect this information for schools.

Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by individual establishment the numbers of Iranian students currently enrolled in universities or other institutes of higher education.

Dr. Boyson

This information is not available, on grounds of disproportionate cost. For the total number of such students I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Brown) today.