§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has received from the Commonwealth Secretariat on behalf of Commonwealth members regarding the increase in overseas students' fees; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Commonwealth Secretariat has forwarded to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office copies of circular representations and notes of meetings. In addition, the Commonwealth Secretary General has sent my right hon. and noble Friend a copy of his letter of 16 April to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science in which Sir Shridath Ramphal conveyed the concern of Commonwealth high commissioners in London at the rise in student fees. My right hon. Friend has replied to this letter expressing his regret at having had to take this difficult decision but explaining that it was necessary in the light of the overriding need to reduce public expenditure.