§ 31. Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to encourage more students to take science subjects at university and college. [30149]
§ Mr. David HuntWe support initiatives to bring real life scientific challenges to the classroom.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes my right hon. Friend share my concern that so many science graduates choose a career outside science and technology so that their talents and education are lost both to the advancement of knowledge and to the research and development effort, on which ultimately so much of our economic future depends? Do the Government have any specific ideas on how we can enhance the status and rewards and, therefore, the attraction of a career in science and technology?
§ Mr. HuntI agree with my hon. Friend. We always seek to promote better career opportunities for scientists, engineers and technologists. I hope that everyone in the 16 House will have the opportunity to visit the women in science exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall, which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science opened this morning, when he was able to announce that the Government are doubling their financial contribution towards the Dorothy Hodgkin fellowships.