HC Deb 28 May 1963 vol 678 cc1102-3
17. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science the number of scientific staff employed under the oversight of the Agricultural Research Council at the latest convenient date; and what proportion of these was employed in Scotland.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

On 1st October, 1962 the total, including experimental and scientific assistant classes, was 2,770, of whom about a quarter were employed in Scotland.

Mr. Gourlay

While we appreciate that there is a large percentage of research workers in this field in Scotland, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary would agree that the excellent work which these gentlemen do could be extended into other forms of research? Will he undertake to expand the service?

Mr. Freeth

I cannot guarantee to have a major expansion at any particular station in answer to a general Question of this nature, but if the hon. Member feels that there is a station under the scientific oversight of the Agricultural Research Council in Scotland which needs to be increased I will gladly answer a Question.