§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from Commonwealth high commissioners concerning his decision to charge full cost fees to students coming from overseas countries outside the Common Market; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleI have received representations expressing concern from the High Commissioner for the Kingdom of Lesotho. In reply my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State said that the policy of full cost fees for overseas students is being introduced because of the overriding need to reduce public expenditure. I have also received representations from the Commonwealth Secretary General following a meeting of Commonwealth high commissioners. I shall be replying shortly.
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§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will extend home-student status now enjoyed by British students and those coming from the European Economic Community to undertake higher education, to students from Commonwealth countries who have been accepted for courses in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleNo. To extend the home-student concession to the 40,000 or so Commonwealth students in Great Britain would seriously affect our policy of reducing public expenditure.