HC Deb 27 November 1984 vol 68 cc428-9W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is (a) the number of students graduating in information technology-related subjects in the current year and (b) the projected demand for graduates in information technology-related subjects for the current year and for the following five years.

Mr. Brooke

In 1984–85 some 3,100 first-degree students are expected to graduate in electronic engineering and some 2,600 in computer science, from universities and public sector institutions in Great Britain.

Detailed demand projections of the kind indicated cannot be made with any precision and future estimates vary widely. The question of future demand for graduates in this field was, however, recently considered by a committee chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for

Cash, £ million
Council 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85
Agricultural and Food Research Council 37.5 42.1 43.6 46.0 46.5
Medical Research Council 72.7 101.7 107.5 113.7 117.2
Natural Environment Research Council 46.7 54.3 58.0 62.5 65.9
Science and Engineering Research Council 204.0 216.8 234.4 254.5 278.8
Economic and Social Research Council 20.3 20.7 20.9 22.4 22.0
Total 381.2 435.6 464.4 499.1 530.4

Notes:

  1. (1) The figures for 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1982–83 are outtum figures, taken from the published Appropriation Accounts.
  2. (2) The figures for 1983–84 and 1984–85 are taken from Supply Estimates.
  3. (3) Income in respect of commissioned research from Government Departments and other bodies is not included.