HC Deb 27 April 1965 vol 711 cc206-7
20. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of Technology what action he has taken to encourage the provision of more engineers, scientists and technologists.

Mr. Marsh

The Committee on Manpower Resources for Science and Technology, which reports jointly to the Secretary of State for Education and Science and my right hon. Friend, is actively concerned with this matter. In addition, my right hon. Friend has commissioned a special study of recruitment to the engineering profession.

Mr. Sheldon

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he agrees that one of the main problems in getting scientists, engineers and technologists is the slowness of informing the schools of what has been happening in these industries over the past few years? Therefore, some connection with the Department of Education and Science to get this information to the schools is a most desirable feature. Will my hon. Friend go into this matter again?

Mr. Marsh

We have done more than go into it. This is largely the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Education and Science. He has set up an inter-departmental working party on this subject which is examining how to attract by publicity more able young people into technology. We are members of that working party with the Department of Education and Science.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Are the reports correct about the number of scientists and engineers who have applied for jobs in South Africa? If so, what steps is the hon. Gentleman taking to retain their services in this country?

Mr. Marsh

The purpose of this Department is to ensure that there is a better future for scientists and technologists than there has been under previous Administrations.

Mr. Palmer

Would my hon. Friend agree that it would help tremendously if industry made a practice of placing more engineers and scientists on the boards of management?

Mr. Gower

Will the Minister take account of the fact that scientists and technologists are stimulated above all by the atmosphere in countries like the United States, where private enterprise is the prevailing system?

Mr. Marsh

The trouble with hon. Members opposite is that they—[HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]

Mr. Speaker

Let us do better than that. Mr. John Osborn.