Education: Overseas Students

Debate between Lord Jay of Ewelme and Baroness Neville-Jones

Wednesday 13th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Neville-Jones]

My Lords, I think that this Question is about English language qualifications for students arriving in this country. I found it difficult to follow the noble Lord’s logic. Many of the institutions that were operating without either the necessary qualifications or a licence were clearly being allowed to do so under the previous Government. I have said that we have suspended some of the institutions that were accredited, and I shall look at whether others have fallen out of the system. However, we are certainly applying extremely rigorous standards to the 2,000 or so institutions that are accredited as things stand at the moment.

[Lord Jay of Ewelme]

Does the Minister, who is herself fluent in French and German, agree that it is equally important that English students learn foreign languages?

[Baroness Neville-Jones]

Je le veux bien. Yes, of course.