HC Deb 10 July 1981 vol 8 c235W
Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many refugee students have benefited to date as a consequence of his announcement on 9 September 1980; and if he is satisfied that the aims and objectives related to his announcement have been fulfilled adequately in practice.

Dr. Boyson

Information on the numbers benefiting as a result of the announcement of 9 September 1980 is not collected. The main aim of my right hon. and learned Friend's announcement was to place refugee students on the same footing as home students, and he is satisfied that that has been attained, but he is at present considering a further approach on the matter from the World University Service.

The Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations 1981, which, subject to negative resolution by the House of Commons, will come into operation on 1 September 1981, will further assist convention refugees by enabling those who become refugees while studying in the United Kingdom and those who were already studying in the United Kingdom in September 1980 to be eligible for mandatory awards from September 1981, provided they meet all other provisions of the Awards Regulations.

Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has received a copy of the report "Refugee Students—Education Policy is Failing", a copy of which has ben sent to him by the World University Service; and what is his policy towards its recommendations.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. and learned Friend has recently received a copy of the report and is studying its recommendations.