§ 2. Professor A. V. Hillasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that most medical schools in London refuse to accept women medical students, although many with good educational qualifications are anxious to enter; and whether, in view of the fact that students beginning now will not be medically qualified for several years, he will refuse to reserve any more men to commence the study of medicine in these schools unless they agree to take a reasonable proportion of suitable women?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I am aware that some medical schools in London do not accept women students. Whether such schools should accept them is a question for consideration by the Committee on Medical 1158 Schools, of which I understand my hon. Friend is a member. I must, however, take all relevant facts into consideration before I agree to reservation.
§ Professor HillDoes the Minister consider it is a good thing to allow young men to stay out of the Services merely to prevent women entering the medical profession?
§ Mr. BevinI do not deal with reservations on that basis. No one regrets' more than I do the rigidity of the medical trade union rules.
§ Dr. Haden GuestWill my right hon. Friend go further into this matter and see whether his great influence cannot modify the rigidity of the trade union rules? As one trade union leader to another, he would speak on terms of equality.