§ 29. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals have been made to him by the University Grants Committee with regard to the establishment of new medical schools; and whether he has had discussions with the Minister of Health on this subject.
§ Mr. BrookeNo such proposals have been made to my right hon. Friend or me. I recently requested the University Grants Committee to consider with the universities the implications of the revised estimate of requirement for doctors which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 29th November.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Chief Secretary aware that it is now generally recognised that we are suffering from a serious and growing shortage of doctors, a shortage which can never be met out of the capacity of the existing medical schools? Does he understand that we are bound to need at least two, or probably three, more medical schools and, since it will be nearly ten years from the taking of the decision before we have any qualified doctors from a new school, will he treat the matter as urgent?
§ Mr. BrookeI recognise the urgency of the matter. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health made a statement to the House about the additional need for doctors. Nevertheless, it would really be quite wrong for me to anticipate the advice I receive from the University Grants Committee on this. I invited the University Grants Committee to give me its advice, and it must be for that Committee in the first instance to consider how the increased intake of medical students is to be provided for.