HC Deb 15 December 1966 vol 738 cc641-2
20. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many suitably qualified candidates applied for Scientific Research Council grants to engage on research and postgraduate studies in the current year; and how many awards were offered.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

3,109 suitably qualified candidates applied for S.R.C. studentships to start in October 1966; 2,763 of these were offered awards.

Mr. Moonman

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Would he not agree that, in view of the need to extend post-graduate study, the S.R.C. should increase the number of awards for the coming year? If so, to what extent will that be done?

Mr. Roberts

There has been a progressive increase in the number of awards made by the S.R.C. during the last few years, and I have no doubt that it will continue the good work. However, I would remind my hon. Friend that while the S.R.C. is the main awarding body for post-graduate study, it is not the only one. It is responsible for about half of the total awards given for postgraduate study.

Mr. J. E. B. Hill

What proportion of these candidates came from overseas and will, therefore, after their work, probably leave this country to work overseas?

Mr. Roberts

I could not answer that without prior notice.