HC Deb 13 May 1958 vol 588 cc200-2
25. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that qualified applicants for degree courses who have so far failed to secure admission to such courses will be able to secure admission in the coming academic year, and that all new applicants who are properly qualified will also be able to secure admission.

Mr. Amory

The announcement which I made on 20th February showed that the Government are alive to the need for a further increase in the capacity of the universities. I am confident that the university authorities will do their best to find places for those applicants they consider qualified in the coming academic year.

Mr. MacPherson

Yes, but cannot the right hon. Gentleman realise that the announcement he made on 20th February gives a figure which it is hoped to achieve in a number of years, and that in each successive year until we achieve that figure there may be a considerable wastage, as indeed there apparently is? His Financial Secretary two Sessions ago gave a figure of roughly 2,500 people who are qualified but unable to obtain places. Therefore, is not it desirable that each Session there should be some attempt to make sure that all students who are qualified are fitted into university courses?

Mr. Amory

Of course the hon. Gentleman knows that the capacity of the universities is steadily expanding now. The programme I announced was for a further expansion in the years ahead, but I think there is perhaps a misunderstanding about the word "qualified". It is commonly regarded that the possession of two passes at advanced level in the G.C.E. examination is a minimum qualification, but the actual standard demanded for admittance depends on the judgment of the university or institution concerned.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Professor Appleton in a Report showed that we can exclude or include people in universities by raising or lowering the standard he has referred to? Is there any sense in keeping people out of a university who are obviously qualified to benefit by university education? If they cannot get into one course, is there any possibility of their taking, or any persuasion used to get them to take, another course and thus giving their best brains to the nation in whichever sphere they can find work?

Mr. Amory

A student can apply to as many universities or institutions as he wishes, but the fact cannot be denied that there are more students now than there is capacity at the universities. What is true is that the capacity has been steadily expanding and the programme I announced recently provides for a considerable expansion.

Mr. Woodburn

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his attitude seems to be that this is some privilege conferred on the students? Is not it a fact that it is the need of the nation to have the best brains developed to the utmost extent?

Mr. Amory

I agree entirely with the last words of the right hon. Gentleman and that was the reason for the considerable expansion programme which the Government have announced.