HC Deb 03 April 1962 vol 657 cc190-1
13. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of those in Governmental employ engaged on research are working in England and Wales; and how many are working in Scotland; and what were the comparable figures in 1950 and 1955.

Sir E. Boyle

In 1960, 1955 and 1950, scientists in Government employment in England and Wales were 3,235, 2,903 and 3,303, and the comparable figures for Scotland were 172, 145 and 109. These figures relate to members of the scientific officer class who are mainly concerned with scientific research and its direction.

Mr. Hamilton

Do not those figures reveal the fact that Scotland is getting very much less than its fair share of employees in Government research establishments? Will not he take steps to see that more of these establishments are set up in Scotland, in view of the fact that it already has more than double the national percentage rate of unemployment?

Sir E. Boyle

I thought it common ground among all shades of political thought that scientific research does not recognise national boundaries. Research cannot be parcelled out as the hon. Member suggests in his supplementary question.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if growing points for industry are to be established it is most important that research should be situated near those growing points? Is he also aware that considerable numbers of scientists have to be exported from Scotland in order to supply the needs of English scientific research? Would it not be sensible to bring the research institutions to the place where the scientists are being trained?

Sir E. Boyle

It is true that where problems are of particular Scottish concern the relevant research should be centred in Scotland—and, in fact, this happens. Herring research is going on at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen, and work on improving seed potato crops is going on at East Craigs—so the picture is not as black as the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) suggests.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the hon. Member say whether there is any immediate prospect of increased numbers of this type of establishment being set up in Scotland, in view of the fact that the Government admit the deteriorating employment situation there, and also in view of the fact—as my right hon. Friend has pointed out—that incoming industry will look for this kind of research establishment in Scotland? Will not he take further steps to see that this is done?

Sir E. Boyle

I am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend will take note of all the points raised this afternoon. Perhaps I may give one more example of Scottish research. There is also the National Engineering Laboratory at East Kilbride. It is not quite such a gloomy matter as hon. Members opposite have suggested.