HC Deb 09 July 1947 vol 439 cc2206-7
46. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements within the Ministry of Labour, the University Grants Committee, the Ministry of Education and other departments for ensuring an adequate supply of trained men and women for the professions and for higher posts in the field of technology; and whether, in any future White Paper on economic conditions, he will include a statement on this matter for the guidance of industry, the professions, university appointment boards and students entering on their careers.

The Prime Minister

I am satisfied that as rapid progress is being made with the expansion of facilities at schools, colleges and universities as is practicable under present conditions and that present arrangements for co-ordinating the work of the various departments concerned in this work are satisfactory. In order to estimate the needs of the various professions and industries, enquiries are being made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, and the resulting information will be communicated to the universities and the Government Departments concerned. Careers pamphlets are available to the public. I am not prepared to say at present whether material on this subject could appropriately be included in a White Paper.

Mr. Lindsay

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from letters which have appeared in "The Times" and the "Manchester Guardian" this week on the subject, there is an immediate situation since the colleges of London are placarded with details of posts in science, teaching and industry, but these men are to be called up on 1st September? This is the urgency of the question, and could the Prime Minister look into it again?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will let me know the exact point he wishes to raise and I will look into it. It does not arise on this Question.

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