§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the development of the new medical school at Southampton University; when he expects the current building programme to be completed; and what will be the expected annual output of newly qualified doctors when that programme is completed.
§ Mr. Prentice:The annual intake of preclinical students increased from 40 in 386W 1971, when the medical school was opened, to 116 in 1974. This is planned to rise to 130 with, in due course, a corresponding output, less any wastage, of qualified doctors. I understand that it is not possible to say now when the related hospital building schemes will be completed, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has stated that such schemes are given a high priority within available resources.