HC Deb 18 July 1946 vol 425 cc1359-60
8. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Education which universities accept the Forces Preliminary Examination in lieu of their ordinary entrance examinations.

Miss Wilkinson

I am sending my hon. Friend a list of the universities and university colleges which accept the Forces Preliminary Examination as prima facie evidence of a candidate's eligibility to be considered for admission.

Mr. Greenwood

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a general impression among members of the Forces, arising from the prospectus of examinations issued by the Civil Service Commission, that the purpose of this examination is to take the place of the ordinary entrance examination for the universities; and that some universities are now refusing to accept candidates on the grounds that they do not regard that examination as any longer acceptable?

Miss Wilkinson

I have no control over what the universities do or do not accept as eligibility for admission. I have said I will send my hon. Friend a list of those that do.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State for War told me the week before last that the results of those examinations which were held in February are only just known, and that the universities are pretty well full up, could my right hon. Friend reconsider this question; and could she state how many people are involved, because they do think they are entitled to go to a university?

Miss Wilkinson

I do not think I quite see the relevance of that supplementary question in connection with my answer. There is a list of universities and colleges which do accept these preliminary examinations. As my hon. Friend knows perfectly well, the Ministry of Education has no control over what the universities will or will not accept.

Mr. Greenwood

If the list submitted by my right hon. Friend does not coincide with the list given in the prospectus which I have in mind, will she take steps, in concert with the Civil Service Commission, to rectify the impression that is being given?

Miss Wilkinson

I think my hon. Friend had better see the list first. If he then has any question to raise on it I shall be delighted to discuss it with him.