§ 50. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Defence how the figures of the numbers of scientists and engineers estimated to be required by the Defence Departments in 1959, as set out in Appendix IV of the Report on Scientific and Engineering Manpower in Great Britain, should be revised in view of the new defence policy outlined in Command Paper No. 124.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Aubrey Jones)I have been asked to reply.
§ There will be a reduction in the numbers needed; but I am not able to give precise figures.
§ Mr. AlbuHow can that be so when the estimates of the Minister's own Department show a very considerable increase in the amount to be spent on research and development and even in the numbers of scientists and engineers to be employed in the divisions of his Department?
§ Mr. JonesIt is because, as the hon. Member will appreciate, there are ramifications to those facts. There are scientists engaged by the Ministry and those engaged indirectly, and it is difficult to calculate the number of indirect engagements.