§ 36. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Labour whether the inquiry being carried out by the social survey into the numbers and distribution of scientists and engineers includes those employed by Government Departments, the Atomic Energy Authority and the Armed Services.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe inquiry carried out by the Social Survey is confined to the employment of scientists and engineers in private industry, but a similar inquiry covering those employed by Government Departments, the Atomic Energy Authority, the nationalised industries and other main users of scientific manpower is being conducted by my Ministry. Information about the number and types of scientists and engineers called up for National Service is already available.
§ Mr. AlbuIs the Minister quite certain that this inquiry is being taken seriously in his Department? Is he aware of the great concern in the country as a whole about the employment of our scientific manpower and its possible dispersion over a number of projects? Is the right hon. Gentleman in close relation with the D.S.I.R. in these matters?
§ Mr. MacleodThe proper balance between scientists and engineers in the Forces and civilian industry is one of the most important aspects of the whole call-up. I welcome the interest in this matter displayed by the hon. Gentleman, the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) and other hon. Members.
§ Mr. CallaghanMay I ask the Minister whether, when he receives the survey, he will make the information available to us in some form so that we may draw up a balance sheet to show where the scientific and technological manpower is being distributed.
§ Mr. MacleodI will publish the results of the inquiry, subject to the reservation that some matters regarding the Atomic Energy Authority and other establishments may be governed by security considerations.