HC Deb 30 March 1976 vol 908 cc429-30W
20. Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to increase the numbers of graduate engineers as a proportion of total graduates.

Mr. Mulley

My hon. Friend the Minister of State has recently had discussions about the supply of graduate engineers with some leaders of the engineering profession, and my Department is keeping the subject under review. My Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers is considering what steps might be taken to try to overcome the shortage of mathematics and science teachers in the schools.

29. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many mechanical (United Kingdom) engineers graduated in 1975; and if he will predict the trend for the next three years.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

In 1974, the last year for which information is available, 1,515 students graduated from British universities with first degrees in mechanical engineering and 416 with higher degrees. 500 CNAA first degrees in mechanical engineering were also awarded. Particulars of CNAA higher degrees for this subject are not available. 1974 levels are expected to be attained again by 1977 after a drop in the intervening years.