§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many suitably qualified candidates were accepted for courses in the academic year 1968–69 leading to a qualification entitling the holder to practise as a general practitioner or hospital doctor under the National Health Service; and what was the total number of suitably qualified applicants.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe number of candidates accepted for pre-clinical courses in medical schools in Great Britain for the academic year 1968–69 was 2,678. Figures are not available of the total number of candidates who applied; the number who applied through the Universities Central Council on Admission was 6,948. It is not possible to say how many of these candidates were suitably qualified since the requirements of universities vary.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of the average cost 313W to public funds of a medical student's education from enrolment as a student to qualification.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe cost to public funds, excluding any capital element, is of the order of £8,000.