§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the intake of students for the academic year 1972–73 to the Open University, with special reference to students who are in the 18year-old group.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe University's academic year runs from January to December. I understand that the undergraduate intake in January, 1972, was 20,500, and that the target for January, 1973, is 17,000. The minimum age limit for students is 21, but a few exceptions
376W are allowed for those who are physically handicapped. The pilot experiment for the admission of 18-year olds to the University is due to start in January, 1974.
CIVIL SERVICEIN POST, 1ST JULY, 1972 Executive Functions Ministerial Responsibilities Central Administration Public Services Trading and Repayment Services General Support Services CABINET OFFICE Secretariat and central support staff … … … 409 — — — Central Statistical Office … … … … … 175 — — — 584 — — — AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD Agriculture, Fisheries and Food policy … … 1,786 — — — Agricultural Development and Advisory Service … — 5,481 — — Other technical staff … … … … … — 95 — — Regional and divisional offices … … … … — 5,087 — — Kew Gardens and Wakehurst Place … … … — 468 — — Fisheries, pest infestation, food science laboratories and Torry Research Station … … … … — 964 — — Central Services … … … … … … 1,855 — — — 3,641 12,095 — —