§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Prime Minister what is the agenda for the forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference; and if she will seek to ensure that the issues of student mobility and student interchange between Commonwealth members, including the trade aspects, are discussed at this conference.
§ The Prime MinisterThe agenda of the forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference is primarily a matter for the Commonwealth secretariat, which will be circulating a draft in due course. The issues mentioned by the hon. Member will no doubt be discussed at the conference and I shall be very ready to explain the measures which we have taken to increase support for Commonwealth students coming to this country
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Prime Minister if she will put before the forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference proposals to seek to restore the goodwill lost by increased fees for overseas students in the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the then Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary made a statement to the House on 8 February about the new measures of support for overseas students in this country. Of the £46 million available for the three years 1983 to 1986 rather more than half will go to the Commonwealth as a whole. The poorer Commonwealth countries in particular will benefit under the ODA's expanded technical co-operation training programme. The number of awards under the Commonwealth scholarship and fellowship plan will be substantially increased. I shall be very ready to explain these measures at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference and hope that others will be ready to make a corresponding contribution.