Written question asked by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 26 July 2010.

Education: Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Howell of Guildford on 29 June (WS 128–30), how they will achieve the cut of £10 million to this year's programme of scholarships.

Answer: We will maintain a substantial programme of scholarships to bring future decision-takers and opinion-formers to the UK. Doing so is an important part of our work to improve Britain's standing in the world. The lower number of scholarships awarded in 2010-11 is targeted towards the countries and issues of highest priority. The final number will depend on the amount of additional funding from partners, which is still to be confirmed. We will make the savings in different areas: reduce the administrative costs of the scheme by lowering the management fee paid to the British Council We did not yet have any commitments to fellowships in 2010-11 and so they will not proceed. We will not fund projects to help posts develop their networks with alumni this year. We are committed to maintaining our full £2.2 million for Marshall scholarships for US students in 2010-11, and also the funding for existing Commonwealth scholars from developed Commonwealth countries who started in 2008-09 or earlier and are completing their PhDs and for existing Chevening scholars in the 2009-10 academic year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1184; 720 c267-8WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Expenditure Cuts
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Finance Overseas students Foreign and Commonwealth Office Cuts Scholarships
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk