HC Deb 25 November 1965 vol 721 cc748-9
50. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures he is taking to encourage girls to take up careers in science, engineering and technology.

Mr. Denis Howell

The measures my right hon. Friend described in his Answer on 11th March to the hon. Members for Wolverhampton North-East (Mrs. Renée Short) and Norfolk, Central (Mr. Ian Gilmour)—provision for science teaching in building programmes, steps to improve the supply of teachers, and the work of the interdepartmental working party—apply to both boys and girls.

Dr. Summerskill

Does not my hon. Friend agree that women are Britain's greatest source of untapped manpower, and will he give them some encouragement? They would willingly take up careers in medicine, science and technology, where they are so badly needed?

Mr. Howell

I think that the appropriate answer is, "Yes, Sir."

Sir E. Boyle

Without wishing to compete with the hon. Lady for the saying of the week, may I ask whether the hon. Member agrees that a good start would be to restore the cuts in the technical college programme as soon as possible?

Mr. Howell

We have every intention of doing that.