HC Deb 17 April 1969 vol 781 cc1316-7
20. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications were received for admission to Scottish universities in the current session; and how many applications were received for admission to Scottish universities in the current session; and how many were admitted.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The provisional number of students entering Scottish universities at undergraduate level in October, 1968, is 9,662. Information about the number of applicants is not available.

Mr. Taylor

Is the Minister aware that, despite the considerable expansion in Scottish university places in recent years, some of our universities are bursting at the seams? Can she hold out any hope of a university being established in the Highlands of Scotland, perhaps in Inverness, in the short or in the longer term?

Mrs. Williams

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman recognises that a considerably higher proportion of Scottish boys and girls go to university than do English boys and girls. I am sure that he also recognises that the proportion of those going to English universities is well in line with the proportions of population as between England and Scotland. I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says, but I am afraid that at present it cannot have the highest priority since we need a build-up of the university at Stirling at the earliest possible stage.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As the Minister's Answer was a generalised one, will she give particulars of the universities referred to and the figures for each?

Mrs. Williams

Since I am not an encyclopedia, I will have to ask my hon. Friend to put down a separate Question.