HC Deb 22 February 1962 vol 654 cc623-4
29. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education how many posts in colleges of advanced technology are at present unfilled; in what subjects the vacancies occur; and what steps are being taken to fill them.

Sir D. Eccles

Of the 208 teaching posts unfilled out of a total establishment of 1,776, 106 are in engineering, 51 in mathematics and the sciences, and 51 in other subjects. These vacancies are being constantly advertised in the Press, and the colleges hope that with their change of status to national institutions, and the recent increase in salaries, they will be able to improve their recruitment.

Mr. Boyden

Would the Minister consider renewing his appeal to industry to release suitable engineers and mathematicians? Could not he point out that if these posts are not filled there will not be a supply of technologists and engineers for industry later?

Sir D. Eccles

I am doing that, and I am encouraging industry to help us by allowing highly-qualified people to divide their time between colleges and industrial employment.