HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 cc228-9
12 and 13. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Technology (1) what staff is available to the Committee on Manpower Resources for Science and Technology for continuous oversight of the supply and employment of qualified scientists and engineers both in general and with particular reference to employment by Government agencies; and (2) what permanent machinery exists for formulating and implementing Government policy for optimum employment and redeployment of scientific manpower within the Ministries and other public bodies.

Mr. Dell

The Department of Education and Science and the Ministry of Technology provide experienced staff to support the work of the Committee on Manpower Resources for Science and Technology. Making the best use of manpower resources in Government agencies is primarily a matter for the Departments concerned and the Treasury.

Mr. Lubbock

Will the staff provided by the Department of Education and Science be occupied full time on the work of the Committee on Manpower Resources for Science and Technology? How are the requirements of the Defence Departments, which use a considerable number of qualified scientists and engineers, co-ordinated in the whole programme?

Mr. Dell

It is the objective of the Government to ensure that scientific personnel previously used on defence are used, so far as possible, on civil work in future, and this matter remains under continuous review. Eleven senior staff are directly concerned with the work of the Committee.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that, three years ago, the Prime Minister made a speech at Scarborough about the brain drain? What are the Government doing to prevent these highly qualified people from going to the United States and elsewhere? The brain drain is worse than ever before.

Mr. Dell

The Government are giving the greatest possible encouragement to advanced technology but it is necessary that all aspects of advanced technology be judged from the point of view of economic viability.