HC Deb 21 January 1964 vol 687 c902
25. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science what plans he has to increase the number of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research post-graduate studentships in electrical engineering.

Mr. Hogg

Special consideration will be given to engineering and applied sciences, including electrical engineering, in the allocation of the substantially increased number of post-graduate studentships planned for the next academic year.

Mr. Dalyell

Is it considered satisfactory that the proportion of electrical engineers should be only 197 out of 4,036?

Mr. Hogg

No; and I have repeatedly said so. But, of course, the number of studentships awarded must depend on the number of candidates with suitable qualifications coming forward.

Dr. Bray

Has the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research considered the forecasts made by the Committee on Scientific Manpower, and is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Committee forecast a very great shortage of electrical engineers in the next five years?

Mr. Hogg

Yes, Sir.