Baroness Vickersasked Her Majesty's Government:—
Whether they will make a statement about the Government's plans for overseas student support when the provision made under the "Pym package" comes to an end in April 1986.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)We believe that our policy of targeted support is very much in the national interest. We have, therefore, made financial provision to continue support for overseas students beyond 1985–86 along the lines of that made under the "Pym package". Given the current financial constraints, the provision has had to be reduced somewhat. Exact details for 1986–87 have yet to be decided. Nevertheless, it is intended that the support will continue to be made to the three country/territory schemes for Cyprus, Malaysia and Hong Kong and for certain other Dependent Territories. Additional support to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Scholarships and Awards Scheme and to the British Council's work for the promotion of British higher education overseas will also continue.