§ Mr. DhandaTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to develop the Shared Scholarships Scheme; and if he will introduce support for talented youngsters from developing countries outside the Commonwealth. [174989]
Mr. Gareth ThomasFollowing a review in 2000, responsibility for administration of the Shared Scholarships Scheme (SSS) transferred, in 2002, to the1518W Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC). This transfer was agreed to enable improved coordination of the SSS with the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Programme and the development of new forms of funding partnerships. The CSC has subsequently established a sub-committee to review the SSS and to recommend improvements. The SSS, to which DFID contributes £2 million per annum, is an initiative with UK Universities jointly to support scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. There are no plans to extend the SSS to provide support for students from developing countries outside the Commonwealth.