§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action is being taken to ensure that spare capacity in academic institutions in Northern Ireland is made available to students from the Republic of Ireland and other countries; and:
Whether some of the 700 unused places per year in six Teacher Training Institutions in Northern Ireland could not be used by students from other countries.
The Earl of GowrieStudents from the Republic of Ireland and other countries are free to apply for admission to all higher education courses in Northern Ireland. Such applications are considered on their merits. Financial support to such students is a matter for the authorities in their home country. Her Majesty's Government place no barriers in their way and the Northern Ireland institutions would welcome an increase in overseas students.