HC Deb 03 May 1948 vol 450 cc880-1
18. Mr. Somerville Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there are in the British sector of Berlin 45 medical students who, having completed two or more years of their medical studies when the war ended, have not been permitted to continue at the Russian-controlled Berlin University because they are not prepared to join the Communist Party; that six other Universities with medical schools in the British zone have expressed willingness each to take some of these students but that the Education Branch of the Control Commission of Germany have refused to permit this; and what action he proposes to take.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)

Certain universities in the British zone last year offered to take a number of students who claimed to have been refused admission to Berlin University, providing they did not count against the maximum strengths laid down for their medical faculties. The Control Commission could not approve this, as to do so would go directly counter to their policy of preventing the overproduction of men and women for the medical profession, which is already overcrowded. The students must therefore take their chance of acceptance by the zonal universities in competition with other candidates for places within the permitted strengths of the faculties.

Mr. Hastings

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he realises that these students have already undertaken two years' training which will be entirely wasted unless it is completed? Further, does he realise the need for medical treatment in Germany at the present time when there is so much malnutrition?

Mr. Mayhew

My information is that the German medical profession is overstaffed at the moment. In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, it is necessary for that reason to regulate the entry of medical students into the universities to avoid considerable frustration and disappointment later on.

Mr. Hastings

Would my right hon. Friend consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to inquire whether some of the doctors could not be moved over here to do some useful work, if that should be necessary?

Mr. Mayhew

That is a different question.