§ 46. Mr. Callaghanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he can now make of the proportion of science graduates who, on leaving college, take up work in defence and civilian organisations, respectively.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)I regret that it is not possible to give an estimate. 1174 The only information concerning work taken up by science graduates is derived from returns by university authorities. These returns are not comprehensive, and do not distinguish between work in defence organisations and in civilian organisations.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of the crippling stortage of scientists and technologists in British industry, would it not be a good thing to find out? May I also ask the Financial Secretary what information he has about the control exercised over the defence Departments in taking on scientists and technologists, apart from budgetary control?
§ Mr. BrookeThe second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question ranges rather far afield. As to the first part, I am not sure that he appreciates that we really have no power to ask every man graduating at a university precisely what he is going to do afterwards.
§ Mr. E. FletcherWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that the only real solution is to make adequate financial provision so as to secure a large increase in the total number of science graduates?
§ Mr. BrookeThe present Government have certainly shown by their actions the importance which they attach to increasing the number of science graduates.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of the importance of these people, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Government's proposals are completely inadequate?
§ Mr. BrookeI could not accept that suggestion for one moment.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan we have an assurance that no part of the proposed £100 million savings will be made at the expense of technological education?
§ Mr. BrookeI think that that is a suitable subject for the Budget debate. I cannot give an assurance in advance, but I can say that the Government attach the very highest importance to increasing the number of scientific and technological graduates from the universities.
§ Mr. GaitskellAre we to understand that no consideration has yet been given to the question of ensuring that the technological education programme will not be invaded by this proposed cut? Cannot 1175 the Financial Secretary give the House and the country the assurance which they demand in this matter?
§ Mr. BrookeThe position is that the Government are doing more for technological education than any previous Government have done, and, as I have just said, they attach the highest priority to it.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is simply a statistical question, but it seems to be raising a very wide debate.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn view of the completely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, we shall return to this matter on many occasions.