§ Major GLYNasked the President of the Board of Education how many medical students are now entered upon the books of the various universities of the United Kingdom; how does this number compare with the figure for 1913–14; and whether, in view of the acknowledged shortage of doctors and surgeons throughout the country, it is proposed to take any steps to hasten the release of those men now serving in the Army or the Royal Air Force whose medical studies were curtailed as a result of the War, and that every facility may be given to such men to return to their universities to at once continue their studies?
§ Mr FISHERI regret that I am not in a position to give the hon. and gallant Member officially the figures for which he asks. The question of the release of medical students from the Forces was dealt with until recently by the Minister of National Service and is not within my province. I have been informed by the General Medical Council that the total number of medical students in actual attendance at medical schools in the United Kingdom was 9,490 in January, 1919. The first year students numbered 2,907 as compared with 1,480 in 1913.