27. Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many medical college places exist in relation to population in Wales, Scotland and England, respectively.
§ Mr. CroslandLast October there were 364 medical school places in Wales, 2,998 in Scotland and 10,019 in England. In relation to population the approximate proportions are, in Wales one place to 7,330, in Scotland one place to 1,735 and in England one place to 4,460. But I should add that medical schools do not 811 necessarily draw their students from the countries in which they are situated.
Mr. WilliamsI am obliged to my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he bear in mind that it reveals an alarming disparity between the rest of the country and Wales? Will he also bear in mind the unique opportunity which is now offered in Swansea, where a new hospital is in the process of completion and where there is a new university adjacent to it, which is still being expanded, and which together offer the facilities for a fully integrated hospital and university background for a new Welsh medical college?
§ Mr. CroslandMy hon. Friend has been kind enough before to draw my attention to the attractions of Swansea for a new medical school. Other hon. Members have drawn my attention to the attractions of various other constituencies for new medical schools. I can only say that if and when the time comes to take a decision, all points will be borne in mind.