§ 12 and 13. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many full-time students of electronics there are in English and Welsh institutions taking graduate courses at the latest available date:
(2) what is the average annual output of graduates specialising in electronics from English and Welsh institutions over the last three years.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsIn the academic year 1967–68, 7,271 students at universities and establishments of further education in England and Wales were taking first degree or diploma courses in 1646 electrical engineering, including electronics. The average annual output from these courses in the three years 1965–66–1967–68 was 1,424.
§ Mr. EadieWould my hon. Friend not agree that it is good that there should be an increase in the output of electronics graduates in this modern scientific and technological age? Would she not further agree that the abolition of the 11-plus and the introduction of comprehensive education widens the pool of ability and that, as a consequence, we shall probably get more graduates?
§ Mrs. WilliamsYes, Sir. Almost invariably, the figures confound those who are prophets of doom about our education system. The annual output of electrical engineers has risen from 1,209 in 1965–66 to 1,596 in 1967–68, and the 1967–68 entry of students was still higher at 1,700.