§ 15. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of places not taken up during the session 1952–53 for students of engineering and technology in the universities and colleges on the University Grants Committee's list.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo figures are available centrally, but I have no reason to think that facilities for engineering or technology in universities and colleges have anywhere been inadequately utilised.
§ Mr. MacPhersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figure of about 250 places was given authoritatively a short time ago? Does not he agree that this is a serious matter for the country at the present time? Will he give some attention not merely to the question of extending facilities for technological education, but to encouraging students to come forward to take these places?
§ Mr. ButlerI agree with the hon. Member that the last point he raised is very important indeed, but I reflect that in October last year there were 8,643 such full-time students, compared with 8,580 in the previous year. Before the war there were 5,288, so the figures are improving.