§ 72. Dr. Summerskillasked the Minister of Health whether the Government, since the war, has assumed any control over the policy of the teaching hospitals, particularly with regard to the proportion of men and women students who are admitted?
§ Mr. ElliotNo, Sir. This is a matter which lies in the discretion of the teaching hospitals.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the financial support which the Government have been giving to voluntary hospitals since the beginning of the war, and the increasing need for medical personnel in the Armed Forces, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has arrived when he should make representations to 958 the voluntary hospitals in order that both sexes should have equal facilities for medical education?
§ Mr. ElliotThe voluntary hospitals are jealous of their rights in the matter, but certainly I take note of what the hon. Lady has said.
§ Sir E. Graham-LittleIs it not well known that the schools belonging to the voluntary hospitals are quite separate from the hospitals?
Miss RathboneIs it not the case that the great majority of London hospitals take no women medical students, and that therefore, there is likely to be a great shortage as the need for male doctors increases?
§ Mr. ElliotI do not think that arises out of the Question.