§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British students are studying full or part-time in China; and what measures are being taken to ensure their safety.
§ Mr. EggarThe exact number of British students in China, either full-time or part-time is not known. Prior to the outbreak of the present troubles, the British Council was aware of 135 full-time students at Chinese universities; but there were probably more, some in the provinces.
In recent days, the British embassy in Peking, the British consulate-general in Shanghai and the British Council offices in these cities have sought to contact all those students registered with them and with others whose names were subsequently provided. They have been given the same advice as that given to other British nationals, that is, if they are in areas where there has been trouble and if they feel concerned for their safety, they should leave China as soon as possible by normal commercial means such as scheduled air services.
Many students were given refuge in the British embassy. At least 70 have left for Hong Kong, some of whom are now back in the United Kingdom.