HC Deb 21 March 1968 vol 761 cc573-4
12. Mr. Hornby

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he will take on the recommendations of the Dainton Report on the supply of science students.

Mr. Gordon Walker

I refer the hon. Member to my Answers on 29th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Dr. Ernest A. Davies) and on 14th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Christopher Price).—[Vol. 759, c. 400–1; Vol. 760, c. 1601–2.]

Mr. Hornby

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the shortage of science-trained people is very serious? Does he also agree that it is urgent to resolve the conflicting views which in many respects have been put forward by the Dainton Report and the Schools Council? Will he make it his personal

EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION (INCLUDING SCHOOL MEALS AND MILK) IN GREAT BRITAIN AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE (EXCLUDING THE NATIONALISED INDUSTRIES ETC., DEBT INTEREST INVESTMENT GRANTS, SELECTIVE EMPLOYMENT TAX, ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS AND REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT PREMIUMS)
1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70
14.6 14.7 15.2 14.2 14.2 14.6

Notes:

1. Comparable figures for current expenditure alone are not readily available.

2. The figure for 1966–67 is provisional and those for 1967–68 and later years are estimated.

3. The Government have not yet taken decisions on expenditure in 1970–71 and 1971–72.

24. Captain W. Elliot

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the annual rate of growth of public expenditure on education required to maintain present educational standards.

Mr. Gordon Walker

I expect public expenditure on education in Great Britain to increase by about 7½ per cent. between 1967–68 and 1969–70. This should be sufficient to maintain present standards and, in some cases, to improve them.

Captain Elliot

As I understand it, that does not answer the Question. I asked by what amount expenditure on responsibility to resolve, and pronounce upon, these conflicting views at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Gordon Walker

I agree that the relative decline in science students is a serious one. I think that the publication of the Dainton Report and the general agreement in the whole education sphere that this problem must be tackled will enable it to be solved. I do not think that it is for me to plunge into disputes of this kind and try to resolve them, but I know that the Schools Council, the vice-chancellors and others are looking at this matter all over again; and I hope that a generally agreed solution will emerge.