HC Deb 21 March 1968 vol 761 cc584-5
30. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many additional university places will be provided in Scotland over the next five years; and what percentage increase this represents.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The block grant for Scottish universities for the quinquennium for 1967–68 to 1971–72 assumes that student numbers will rise by about 6,500. This is an increase of nearly 22 per cent. on numbers in 1966–67.

Mr. Taylor

Is the hon. Lady aware that at present many young people with the full basic qualification cannot obtain university entrance? Does she feel that the 22 per cent. increase will be enough to cope with the demand? Has she closed her mind entirely to the possibility of a further new university in Scotland?

Mrs. Williams

The rate of expansion is still being maintained at a very high level. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman, who I know feels very strongly about these things, that after taking into account all movements of students to and fro across the Border the position is that 8.8 per cent. of Scottish 18-year-olds go to university compared with 5.7 per cent. in England and Wales.

Mr. Speaker

Dr. Miller.

Mrs. Ewing

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. No one has a prescriptive right to address the House. Dr. Miller.

Dr. Miller

Will my hon. Friend push for a position in which every person in Scotland as well as in England with the necessary qualifications for entry to a university receives a university place?

Mrs. Williams

That is very nearly the position for science and technology, and due to the University Grants Committee's policy of increasing the expansion of places for arts and social science students we shall approach rather more closely to that ideal.

Mrs. Ewing

rose—

Sir G. Nabarro

Speak for England, Winnie!

Mrs. Ewing

Will the hon. Lady take into account in all her decision-making that prospective students in Scotland feel that they are in a rat race for places, and that they have about five months of total uncertainty during which they feel that a place will not be provided for them and that they might miss out in the race?

Mrs. Williams

This is not unique to Scottish students, as the hon. Lady will know. It would be helpful if all universities were full members of the U.C.C.A.—the Admissions Council. There are one or two which still need to belong.