HC Deb 27 February 1962 vol 654 c1119
22. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how many students graduated with science honours degrees in Scotland in the last academic year; how many have subsequently obtained employment in Scotland; and how many have emigrated.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

I am informed that 374 students graduated in Scotland with honours degrees in pure science and 105 with honours degrees in technology in the year 1959–60. Figures for the year 1960–61 are not available, nor are figures for subsequent employment in Scotland. On emigration, I would refer the hon. Member to an Answer today to the hon. Member for Dearne Valley (Mr. Wain-wright).

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of concern in Scotland about the proportion of graduate honours degree scientists, particularly those who are born in Scotland, who subsequently leave? The proportion is about 60 per cent. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we are naturally very gravely concerned about this? Can he give the House much more detail about this problem so that we may the better tackle its solution?

Mr. Freeth

Detailed figures are available from private sources in Glasgow, but collecting figures for subsequent employment of science and technology graduates would be a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.