University Students

HC Deb 02 April 1958 vol 585 cc162-3W

Mr. Skeffington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the estimated university population of 124,000 in 1965 will be students in science and technology, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and agriculture, arts, and the social sciences, respectively.

Mr. Amory

The proportion of students in the different faculties in October, 1957, was as followsPure science and technology … 37 per cent. Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and agriculture … 20 per cent. Arts, including social sciences 43 per cent.

As I said in answer to questions on my statement on university expansion of 20th February, it is expected that about two-thirds of the increase in the total number of students will study science or technology, and one-third arts and other subjects. It is not possible to be more precise at this stage.

Mr. Skeffington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what number of postgraduate places are proposed for science and technology in 1965.

Mr. Amory

In the academic year 1956–57 there were 5,325 full-time students undertaking advanced work in pure science and technology—a proportion of 16.4 per cent. of the total number of full-time students in those faculties. This proportion has been increasing in recent years and may be expected to continue to do so, but it is not possible to estimate what the precise figure will be in 1965.

Mr. Skeffington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what number of graduations in science and technology is anticipated for the years 1965, 1966, and 1967.

Mr. Amory

I regret that it is impossible to give estimates for individual years from seven to nine years hence.

Mr. Skeffington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the 18 year age group in 1965 is expected to enter the universities; and what is the corresponding figure for 1957.

Mr. Amory

In 1957 the proportion of the 18 year age group entering the universities was about one in 26. As my announcement on the 20th February on future university expansion indicated, the Government is alive to the need to provide mor university places in the mid-1960s, when the age group in question will, for a short period, be nearly 50 per cent. greater than in 1957.