§ 19. Mr. G. Elfed Daviesasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement upon the effect of the shortage of mathematicians upon the British scientific research effort.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethScientific research depends quite as much on quality as quantity. In quality, our mathematicians are second to none, and I do not, therefore, fear for our progress on this account. It is, however, difficult to obtain mathematicians for research and teaching. For the action Her Majesty's Government are taking to increase the number of mathematicians, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education's speech in this House on 10th July.
§ Mr. DaviesWill not the hon. Gentleman recognise that that reply is based upon a scientific research programme which hon. Members on both sides of the House consider is not good enough? Unless this programme is speeded up and increased, the position will become infinitely worse. Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is his responsibility to have discussions with the Minister of Education and not merely to wait for Questions from this side of the House? Will not he accept his responsibility?
§ Mr. FreethThe hon. Gentleman knows that there is, naturally, very close contact at all levels between Government Departments, but the steps which can or should be taken, or which are being taken, to increase the number of mathematicians are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education and of the universities.
§ Mr. PeartWill the hon. Gentleman jerk the Minister of Education into action? It was obvious from the science debate last week and from the education debate yesterday that both sides of the House recognise that there is a crisis in the supply of mathematics teachers at all levels. When are we to have action?
§ Mr. FreethThe hon. Gentleman obviously missed the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education gave to one of my hon. Friends only a little while ago at the end of Question Time.