§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was: as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the output of qualified scientists and engineers in 1959, and the expected output in 1964.]
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, the output of qualified scientists has risen from 6,500 in 1959, to 9,600 in 1964. In the same period the output of qualified engineers has risen from 8,800 to 9,900 a year. The total stock of qualified scientific: and technological 246 manpower is now nearly one-third higher than in 1959.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that reply, may I ask whether he can tell us how those figures compare with the recommendation of the Committee on Scientific Manpower?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, the Manpower Committee, in their 1956 Report, estimated that the number qualifying each year in science and engineering should be increased from about 10,000 in 1955 to about 20,000 in 1970. With a total output in 1964 estimated at 19,500—that is to say, nearly 20,000—this target has been substantially achieved, and well ahead of time.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEMy Lords, may I ask one further supplementary question? I take it that those figures apply to scientists and technologists. There was at one time considerable fear that there would not be sufficient technologists. Can the noble Earl tell us that this fear has now been allayed by these improved figures?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, of course the implementation of the recommendation of the Robbins Committee on the further expansion of the universities should ensure that the output will continue to grow rapidly. However, my right honourable friend attaches great importance to this matter, and I can assure my noble friend that increasing efforts are being made to promote a wider understanding of the importance and the appeal of technology and the applied sciences and the many opportunities for a satisfying career in these fields.
§ LORD GREENHILLMy Lords, may I ask whether in the use of the word "qualified" the meaning is limited to those who are academically qualified, and whether those who have experience but no academic qualifications are excluded?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I am not quite clear whether the noble Lord's question relates to the figures I myself have given.
§ LORD GREENHILLDoes the word "qualified" in the Question apply only 247 to those who have academic qualifications, or does it include those who may not have academic qualifications but have wide experience which qualifies them for particular branches of science or technology into which they enter?