5
O
Government's proposal, HMG is prepared to contribute
50 per cent of the cost of the scheme in 1983-84
subject to a maximum contribution of £1.9 million
and to consider further with the Hong Kong Government its contributions in following years.
HMG will be discussing details of the proposals with
the Hong Kong Government.
The cost to HMG of making a similar concession to students from other dependencies would be comparatively small perhaps £100,000 pa (allowing for contributions
also to be sought from Bermuda and the Cayman Islands).
A small part of the cost to HMG might fall to be met from the FCO (Aid) Vote but the bulk, reflecting the
fact that Hong Kong and certain other dependencies
are not recipients of Aid, would fall on the FCO
(Diplomatic Wing) Vote.
(ii) Britain should support strengthening and expansion of
the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and
be ready to match any additional support from other
Commonwealth countries (7.28).
Britain already provides 650 awards of the 1000
available throughout the Commonwealth for this highly
prestigious and much valued programme to which we have
a long-standing commitment. In 1983/84 we hope to
increase provision by up to £1 million and thereafter by some £22 million each year, this expenditure-being carried on the votes of both the Foreign and
alth
Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development
Administration. It is hoped that other Commonwealth
Countries will also increase their support for the Plan.
/(iii)