HC Deb 10 March 1981 vol 1000 cc313-4W
Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the average level of fees to be charged to overseas students during 1981–82 to students enrolled on or after 1 September 1980 at institutions by higher education in the United Kingdom, studying arts and sciences, respectively, and comparing these amounts with the average level of fees charged to overseas students in similar institutions in each of the countries of the European Economic Community.

Dr. Boyson

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) on 5 February.—[Vol. 998, c. 161-2.] Institutions are now determining the actual fees to be charged in the light of the recommendations made. Information is not available on the average level of fees to be charged in other European Community countries in 1981–82.

Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the recommendation made at the Commonwealth Education Conference that overseas students in receipt of rewards under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan should be treated as home students for fees purposes.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. and learned Friend has carefully considered this recommendation and regretfully concluded that there can be no scope for treating recipients of awards under the plan as home students for fees purposes. However, he understands from his noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs that this year's and next year's students accepted as scholars under the plan will have their fees met in full at the new rates.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the University of Lancaster on the 42 per cent. reduction in enrolment by overseas students; and whether, pursuant to his answer of 4 February, Official Report, columns 144-45, he will make further resources available to help universities affected in this way.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. and learned Friend has received representations from a number of hon. Members about the reduction in overseas student enrolments at the University of Lancaster.

I hope to be able to make an announcement about universities' grant for the academic year 1981–82 very shortly.