HC Deb 10 February 1966 vol 724 cc597-8
24. Mr. Onslow

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what proportion of the mathematicians, mechanical and other engineers, and physicists working in manufacturing industry were employed in the aircraft industry in 1965; and where this proportion represents a decline on the 1962 figure, as recorded in the National Plan, what action his Department has taken to analyse the redeployment of the personnel concerned; and with what result.

Mr. Albu

Provisional figures for 1965 suggest that the aircraft industry employs a slightly lower proportion of the mathematicians, mechanical engineers and physicists working in manufacturing industry than it did in 1962. The Department of Economic Affairs is co-operating with the Ministry of Labour in a special study of recent redeployment of labour from the aircraft industry.

Mr. Onslow

I am sure that that reply will give the House some encouragement, but has the Minister any real grounds for expecting that he will be able to track down these men, particularly when they leave the country? Has he any grounds for saying that in 1968–69 the men who are needed in these categories will still be working in industry?

Mr. Albu

There are two answers to that. First of all, we must not exaggerate the number of people leaving the country, which is certainly not large in relation to the total number employed. Secondly, there is a very great need for men with this degree of skill in other branches of the engineering industry.

Mr. R. Carr

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the study to which he referred will be completed and whether it will be published?

Mr. Albu

I cannot say at present.