asked the Minister of Education whether grants can be extended a further six months for ex-Service medical students who have qualified, and whose grants stop on qualifying, in order to enable them to take on a resident post in hospital which is an essential part of medical education.

Yes, Sir. My Department is prepared to consider extending, for a period of six months in the first instance, an award under the Further Education and Training Scheme to a medical student appointed to a resident post in order to supplement his salary if the circumstances justify it.

May I thank the Minister for that very generous answer? I am sure that he is aware that very many students in hospitals will be satisfied with the decision.

Mr. Wilson Harris:

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend that principle to prospective teachers who take their university degree in June and cannot get a post in a school until September?

There is a slight difference between an individual who is waiting for a post in a school and an individual who takes up a post which is part of his training.

Could not newly qualified doctors be encouraged to undertake posts as trainee practitioners with doctors in general practice while waiting for their hospital appointments?