HC Deb 01 July 1958 vol 590 c1049
10. Mr. Willey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent the present methods of collecting statistics referred to in paragraph 42 of the Annual Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy have been improved.

Mr. H. Nicholls

As foreshadowed in this Report, arrangements have now been made whereby new standard forms for collecting and reporting statistics on employment first taken up by all university graduates will be used by university appointment boards for the academic year 1957–58. These forms are designed to provide more information than in the past, including the number who take up employment abroad.

Mr. Willey

While I appreciate the steps which have been taken, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the information is made available as soon as possible? It is urgent and important to ensure that our graduates, who are in short supply, go to the proper places.

Mr. Nicholls

Yes, Sir; I see the point of that. I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that there has not been any delay. The Annual Report was published in October, 1957, and instructions for the new form were approved in March, 1958.