HC Deb 23 May 1946 vol 423 cc534-5
53. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Minister of Labor whether, having regard to the recent limitations imposed on normal women entrants for universities in the year commencing September, 1946, he will take steps to see that those women denied admission as a result of such limitation are given preferential treatment for admission in the year commencing September, 1947.

Mr. Isaacs

It is too early to say what arrangements the universities may be able to make for the admission of women students in the autumn of 1947, but J will keep in mind the point raised by my hon. Friend.

54. Mr. Wilson Harris

asked the Minister of Labor whether, in view of the restrictions imposed by the new university entry conditions on girls leaving school and desiring to enter a university in October, 1946, he will arrange that 10 per cent. of the places available in mixed universities and colleges shall be shared equitably between men and women.

63. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Minister of Labor whether he is satisfied that in the arrangements made by him with regard to the university students no discrimination is exercised between men and women seeking to enter a university.

Mr. Isaacs

The admission of women to the universities is a matter for the university authorities. My suggestion to them has been that men and women in the priority classes should be treated equally. With regard to girls leaving school, I asked that if their admission would result in excluding men in the priority classes they should not be admitted except where they are students of exceptional promise. I feel this to be an equitable arrangement.

Mr. Harris

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognize that this means that very few girls indeed leaving school this: term will obtain entry to the universities; and, having regard to the fact that ex-Service-men, very rightly, get the very high allocation of 90 per cent. of the places, will he not ask the universities, as he did before, that the number which is given to boys leaving school should be given inequal degree to girls leaving school at the end of this term?

Mr. Isaacs

I have taken this matter up with the authorities. However, in the light of what the hon. Gentleman says I will make another effort.

Mrs. Castle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in view of the fact that the Government are asking women to play a specially important part in the reconstruction work of this country, there will be very strong resentment at any suggestion that they should take a back place in the queue for university training?

Mr. Isaacs

In the light of modern conditions I cannot visualise women taking a back place.