HC Deb 27 October 1981 vol 10 c715
13. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what figures are available for the impact of public expenditure cuts on higher education provision for science and technology; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

In the universities, despite a slight fall in the expected number of all science-based students, the University Grants Committee's allocation of grant for 1981–82 and provisional indications for later years provide for growth in student numbers in engineering and technology, mathematics and the physical sciences and for the support of important new developments in the biological sciences. Comparable information is not available for the non-university sector.

Mr. Roberts:

Does the Minister accept that, whereas cuts for the universities and polytechnics are bad enough, the real indictment of the Government's policy is that the growth that could be achieved in mathematics, computing, engineering and high technology generally is not being achieved? There is a great demand from industry, but that is not being met because of the Government's financial policies.

Mr. Waldegrave:

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman did not hear what I said.

Mr. Roberts:

I heard what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. Waldegrave:

There is growth in exactly the areas for which he is arguing.