§ 31. Dame Edith Pittasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to secure a better understanding of science among members of the Administrative Class of the Civil Service.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am glad to say that the Royal Institution of Great Britain has been good enough to arrange a course of lectures and seminars in scientific subjects for members of the Administrative Class of the Civil Service. The first course will begin in the autumn, and will be in the main for younger members of the class. The aim will be, not to try to teach administrators to be scientists, but to improve their knowledge and understanding of scientific developments and of the scientific approach. The Royal Institution's tradition and long experience in the exposition of science, and its facilities for this purpose, are an assurance that this will be a most valuable development, and I should like to take the opportunity of thanking the Institution, and Lord Fleck and Sir Lawrence Bragg in particular, for their help over this.
§ Dame Edith PittI thank my right hon. Friend for that information, which is very welcome. Will the opportunity apply to women members of the Civil Service?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCertainly.
§ Sir G. NicholsonWill my right hon. Friend elaborate a little? How many people will attend this course? Will attendance be compulsory? How long will it last?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs I said, the details are to be worked out with the Royal Institution during the summer. The aim is to concentrate this mainly on a section of the younger members of the Administrative Class.
§ 32. Dame Edith Pittasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether suitable members of the Scientific Civil Service are given an opportunity of transferring to the Administrative Class of the Civil Service.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterYes, Sir. Arrangements already exist whereby scientific staff in the Civil Service may be considered for transfer, if they wish, 1106 to the Administrative Class. A competition was held earlier this year, as a result of which thirteen members of the scientific officer class have been appointed, subject to trial, as principals in the Administrative Class.
§ Dame Edith PittIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have very great respect for the Civil Service and approve of this integration? But is it intended further to conduct additional experimentation to continue the infiltration of the scientists into the Administrative Class?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe general policy is to secure that the Administrative Class has a substantial number of members with knowledge of science. We shall see how this experiment works. It if is successful, I hope that it will be repeated.
§ Mr. AlbuIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the marking of the examination papers for the Civil Service Administrative Class is not weighted against those who read science at university?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not think that is borne out by the results.