§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has regarding the proportions of male and female students accepted into universities during the years 1972, 1973 and 1974: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe percentages of male and female undergraduate new entrants to universities in Great Britain in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974 are set out below:
Academic Year Men Percentage Women Percentage 1972–73 66.4 33.6 1973–74 64.9 35.1 1974–75 (provisional) 64.0 36.0 The number of women new entrants has grown much more rapidly—by 28 per cent.—than the number of men entrants, which increased by 3 per cent., in the five years up to 1973–74. Women are also more successful than men in gaining admission to university; 55 per cent. of women home applicants aged 20 and under were accepted for entry in 1973–74, as compared with 52 per cent. of men applicants.