HC Deb 15 December 1966 vol 738 cc642-3
21. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the estimated number of student places for degree courses in science and technology in the years 1964–65, 1965–66, and 1966–67; and how many places were taken up.

Mr. Crosland

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Moonman

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that a real responsibility in this matter lies on the schools, industry and the Government information services to ensure that as much information as possible about this is given to the youngsters concerned?

Mr. Crosland

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. A considerable responsibility is involved here. The present picture on this front is comparatively favourable, but we cannot be sure that it will continue to remain favourable in the years ahead. This is, therefore, a matter on which the Dainton Committee, among other bodies, was set up to report, and I hope to receive the second report of the Dainton Committee early in the new year.

The following is the information: The Reports of the Universities Central Council on Admissions for 1964 and 1965 show that approximately 20,050 places in faculties of science and technology were taken up in universities and colleges of advanced technology in October 1964 and 24,341 in October 1965, an increase of 25.6 per cent. for scientists, 15.8 per cent. for technologists and 12.1 per cent. for agricultural scientists. Figures for places taken up in October 1966 in these faculties are not yet available. In addition 3,760 students were admitted in the 1965–66 academic year to full-time and 'sandwich' degree courses in science and technology in technical colleges. The Reports indicate that in the field covered by their scheme 1,500 fewer students in science and technology were admitted in the year 1964 than the institutions had forecast; and that in 1965 admissions differed only marginally from the estimate, with the exception of pure science, where the number was 430 less than expected. No figures are yet available for 1966.