§ 16. Mr. McInnesasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science the number of scientific staff employed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at the latest convenient date; and what proportion of these was employed in Scotland.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe number of scientific staff employed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on 1st May, 1963, was 3,536, 13 per cent. of whom were employed in Scotland.
§ Mr. McInnesIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Scotland produces almost 20 per cent. of the total number of scientists and technologists in this country, yet only 13 per cent. of them find posts available in Scotland? Is he aware that his reply indicates that some action will have to be taken if employment is to be found for these people in Scotland?
§ Mr. FreethOur present plans for the D.S.I.R. include some expansion in the total staff. Scotland will share in this expansion.
§ Mr. W. HamiltonCan the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of this staff is in London and if there is any necessity for them to be in London? Is this not an example of the way in which the Government could set a lead and disperse them?
§ Mr. FreethThe only people who are in London are at the D.S.I.R. headquarters, and they have to be there. If the hon. Member wishes to put down a Question about the Laboratory of the Government Chemist or the Tropical Products Institute, I will be glad to answer it.