HC Deb 13 November 1968 vol 773 c404
43. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many qualified scientists and engineers have been transferred from defence to civil research since 1st January, 1968.

Mr. John Morris

Thirty-two have left defence research since 1st January, 1968, to take up civil work outside the Government Service.

Mr. Hooley

Is the Minister satisfied that this is a sufficient rate of flow from defence to civil research in view of the national shortage of qualified scientists and engineers and the importance of using them all to the best advantage?

Mr. Morris

Certain reductions in r. & d. expenditure have been announced and the implications of those reductions are still being worked out, but it is not possible at this stage to forecast their effect on qualified staffs.