§ 9. Mr. Greyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what expansion he now expects in medical schools during the next five years; and where such expansion will be.
§ Sir E. BoyleThis matter is under discussion between the University Grants Committee and the universities with medical schools.
§ Mr. GreyMay we take it that, when the University Grants Committee reports, the Government will accept its report in full? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great shortage of medical schools? Can he say whether or not the Government have come to a conclusion about the possibility of Durham University having its own separate medical faculty when separated from Newcastle?
§ Sir E. BoyleI cannot answer about Durham University. There are already twenty-six medical schools and the foundation of further schools is a matter which would, in the first instance, be for the University Grants Committee to consider. But perhaps at a later stage the hon. Gentleman and I can meet and discuss this matter.
§ Mr. GreyMay we be assured that the Government will accept the report of the University Grants Committee, in view of what has happened in the past?
§ Sir E. BoyleI would ask the hon. Gentleman to read again the statement 1111 made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury last week, when he made it clear, in his statement on recurrent grants, that the cost to universities of the Government's recent request for an increased intake of medical students will be additional to the current grants made by the Government.