HC Deb 05 February 1980 vol 978 cc144-6W
22. Dr. Mawhinney

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students were reading for British degrees in British institutions in 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1979.

Dr. Boyson

In the academic years beginning in 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1977the numbers of overseas students in universities or on degree courses in other establishments of further and higher education in Great Britain were 20,000; 28,300; 43,000 and 46,100 respectively. Figures for the academic year 1979–80 are not yet available.

26. Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students have refused places at Scottish universities because of their inability to pay the proposed charges initiated by Her Majesty's Government.

Dr. Boyson

This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

29. Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest estimate for the number of overseas students entering universities and colleges of further and higher education in October 1980; how this compares with the previous year's figures; and how it compares with the allocation for October 1978 and 1979.

Dr. Boyson

Expenditure plans for 1978–79 and 1979–80 allowed for72,000 and 68,000 overseas students respectively. It is provisionally estimated that the actual number in 1978–79 was 86,000. Complete figures for 1979–80 are not yet available, and an estimate of the number of overseas entrants in September 1980 cannot yet be made.

32. Mr Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students are at British language schools; and how many such schools exist.

Dr. Boyson

My Department does not collect statistics about private establishments teaching English to foreign students, unless they are recognised as efficient by my right hon. and learned Friend. Returns from the 66 English language schools which were "recognised" as at 1 November 1977 indicate that they had 10,436 students in attendance at that date.

39. Mr Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his latest estimate of the savings in public expenditure in 1980–81 resulting from the increase in fees to overseas students.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

"The Government's Expenditure Plans 1980–81"—Cmnd. 7746—allow for savings of about £25 million in higher and further education through the introduction of full cost fees for overseas students.

51. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has now received against the Government's substantial increase in fees for overseas students; and from whom they were received.

Dr. Boyson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) on 4 February.