HL Deb 10 June 1969 vol 302 c524

2.38 p.m.

LORD ABERDARE

My 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 whether they are satisfied that science graduates are being employed to the best advantage.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

No, my Lords. For instance, there is some evidence that in industry too many qualified scientists and engineers are in research and development and not enough in management, design, production and marketing. The Government are doing what they can to improve matters.

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I am grateful for that Answer. Is the noble Lord aware that Mr. Brian Ford carried out some investigations into this matter, the result of which was published in the New Scientist on May 1? His evidence rather suggested that there are a great many qualified graduates who are either wholly unemployed or in unskilled jobs. Would the noble Lord be prepared to look at this question?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, the article in question is well known to my right honourable friend, and it may be that a certain amount of journalistic licence has been permitted to creep into the assessment of the sample there referred to.