HC Deb 18 May 1939 vol 347 cc1600-1
23. Mr. Markham

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what proportion of university students are now drawn from State-aided secondary schools; and what are the specific figures for Oxford and Cambridge and for other universities respectively?

Mr. Lindsay

I regret that complete figures relating to the secondary school origin of students at the universities are not available; but a forthcoming publication of the University Grants Committee will contain the numbers of students who began their education in a public elementary school.

Mr. Markham

Can my hon. Friend say when this publication will be available?

Mr. Lindsay

I think it ought to be available in about a month.

Mr. Annerley Somerville

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what is the proportion of such students at the universities?

Mr. Lindsay

There are certain gaps, so I cannot give an actual figure, but it is about a third.

Mr. Markham

Does that include all entrants to the universities, or only full-time students?

Mr. Lindsay

It includes full-time students at universities in Great Britain who have come from State-aided secondary schools.