§ 3. Mr. Boydenasked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury what is the ratio of technical assistants to scientifically qualified staff in Government scientific establishments.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe ratio is 3.5 technical assistants to one member of the scientific officer class.
§ Mr. BoydenIs this not very much more generous than the ratio of assistants to university research workers? Do the Government accept the Robbins recommendation regarding thevery much more prominent part that university research can play in general research, and, if so, what are the Government doing about providing extra technical assistants to university research departments?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis Question relates to Government scientific establishments, and, as the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, the average conceals within it fairly wide divergencies in accordance with the nature of the work. With regard to universities, it may well be that we shall have an opportunity of discussing them later this afternoon.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWill not my right hon. Friend agree that it is not only numbers that matter in this but also the quality of the scientists?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI fully agree, and it is our intention to maintain the high quality of the scientific officer class and their assistants.