asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further consideration she has given to the hardship being caused to overseas students who had arranged their expenses on a basis previous to the present rise in overseas students' fees; what steps she is taking to remedy this situation; and whether she will make a statement.

So far as current fees are concerned, provision exists for the exercise of discretion in the case of personal hardship. My right hon. Friend is still considering the fee proposals for the academic year 1977–78 and will be making a statement as soon as possible.