§ 32. Mr. Henigasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many universities have their own medical centres; and how many of these centres have a psychiatric section.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsNearly all universities have some form of student health service. I understand that this service does not as a rule include psychiatrists but where necessary refers students to the appropriate specialist for treatment.
§ Mr. HenigWould my hon. Friend not agree that it is an appalling state of affairs, when so many students at universities have minor psychotic disturbances, that they should either be sent to a relatively untrained person, who will probably administer tonic and an aspirin, or that they should be sent to a nearby mental hospital where they will meet people in a far worse condition than themselves?
§ Mr. RobertsIt is the policy of the University Grants Committee to encourage the development by universities of student health services. This is a matter for the university concerned. Such services are expected to be developed in co-operation with the National Health Service, which is available to students, as to the rest of the population.