§ 15. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students occupy places in medical schools at the present time, and how many did 10 years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. MulleyIn 1973–74, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of full-time students in medical schools in Great Britain was 17,299. In 1965–66 there were 14,438.
§ Mr. HardyDoes my right hon. Friend consider that the inevitable long terms effect of the decisions to expand medical school provisions, which was taken by the previous Labour Government in the late 1960s, will adequately 1128 relieve existing shortages? If not, what further steps are being considered?
§ Mr. MulleyWe have plans to increase the number of admissions to about 4,000 each year by the end of this decade, as against 3,300 at present. However, the actual assessment of manpower needs is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Social Services, Scotland and Wales.
§ Sir G. SinclairIs the Minister taking any steps to ensure that a large proportion of the places available is allocated to women medical students?
§ Mr. MulleyThere has been an increasing number of women students. Without notice, I am unable to give the exact figures, but certainly there is this welcome tendency. I do not believe that it is for me to lay down any particular proportions.
Dr. M. S. MillerDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the increase of approximately 20 per cent. in the number of medical students as between now and 10 years ago indicates quite clearly that the vile campaign conducted by some of the medical profession suggesting that doctors are leaving this country in droves, is absolute nonsense—because most consultants are still putting their sons and daughters into the medical profession?
§ Mr. MulleyThat would be a reasonable conclusion to draw from the figures.