§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what moves are being taken by his Department or under the auspices of his Department to encourage overseas students to study in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWe attach great importance to encouraging overseas students to come to Britain, and the numbers doing so are increasing year by year. In 1986–87 we provided over £87 million to bring 17,500 students to the United Kingdom. A quarter of all overseas students here receive some help from us.
In addition to our regular scholarship schemes, we are developing shared funding scholarships in co-operation with the universities, industry and bodies such as the British Council of Churches and the Royal Society.
We have also recently established with the Victoria League "Hosting for Overseas Students" (HOST) which 301W will co-ordinate hospitality for foreign students and help to make them feel welcome in this country, and to enjoy their stay here.