§ 34. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Labour what action he has taken in connection with the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy concerning the deferment of National Service for science graduates.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Council's recommendation in its Eighth Annual Report that science graduates who take up school teaching should have their National Service deferred. Since the beginning of this year graduates with first or second class honours in mathematics or science who teach in a secondary school, in which advanced or senior secondary courses are provided, have been granted indefinite deferment of National Service.
§ Mr. MikardoWhilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that information, may I ask whether he ought not to consider the extension of this arrangement to science graduates engaged on research 474 as well as those engaged on certain types of teaching?
§ Mr. MacleodThis is a useful beginning and, under this arrangement, 200 have been deferred this year. It is quite true, as the hon. Member indicates, that there are a number of linked proposals, some of which are in front of me now.