§ 41. Mr. Oramasked the Minister of Labour whether he will extend to all graduates in physics the same conditions for deferment of National Service as apply to graduates in chemistry and the biological sciences.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19th February to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Maryhill (Mr. Hannan), of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. OramIs the night hon. Gentleman aware that the serious situation in the East Ham Grammar School, about which I wrote to him, is continuing and indeed is getting considerably worse, the school now being short of three science teachers? The headmaster has sought by all possible means to get applicants for the posts and the one person whom he has found is now due for call-up. Is not this symptomatic of what is happening throughout the country in the neglect of science teaching? Will not the Minister seriously consider relaxing the regulations so that the situation may be improved?
§ Mr. MacleodI cannot promise any relaxation for 1958. These decisions are taken on the advice of my Technical Personnel Committee. I intend to ask that Committee to review the position of the call-up for 1959.