HC Deb 23 May 1946 vol 423 cc106-7W
Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of open scholarship holders on the admission lists of the universities for next October; and how many open scholarship holders are expected to remain in the Services after October, 1946.

Mr. Isaacs

The answer to the first part of the Question depends on the extent to which applications for admission are made by holders of open scholarships and other young men of high promise released from the Forces or from work of national importance or eligible for such release. It cannot be known until after 1st September. As regards the second half of the question, the information is not available.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Labour if he will reconsider the instructions which he has issued to universities that they should, where women are in competition for places with men, limit women entrants from school to those of exceptional promise; and whether, as sex-discrimination is especially forbidden by the statutes of London University, he will withdraw those instructions in the case of entrants to schools which are under the jurisdiction of that university.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Wilson Harris) today, copy of which I am sending him

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the official announcement recently made concerning university entrants for 1946, some priority will be given in 1947 to the normal school entrants for 1946, who were unable to gain admission this year owing to the priority given to ex-Service candidates.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the lion. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington (Mr. Weitzman) today, a copy of which I am sending him