Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion(a) graduates and (b) postgraduates in (x) pure and applied sciences, (y) engineering and 526W (z) computer sciences engaged by the Ministry of Defence following graduation were of all graduates and postgraduates engaged by his Department in each year since 1983.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkFrom available records it is not possible to give a complete breakdown distinguishing between graduates and postgraduates for the science and engineering categories requested. To ascertain this detailed information would require a disproportionate amount of effort.
A breakdown of science and engineering graduates entering the MOD service since 1984 and an indication of the postgraduate entry for the scientific group is as follows:
Year Graduates Science Post graduates Engineers Graduates only 1984–85 128 41 83 1985–86 180 55 68 1986–87 242 77 53 1987–88 301 50 90 1988–89 202 73 130 1989–90 145 48 99 The postgraduate entry figures represent those recruited with experience in lieu of qualifications as well as those qualified to PhD level. The postgraduate entry to the engineering service is known to be very small.
Computer scientists are an integral part of the science entry. From an analysis of information available for 1989–90, about 6 per cent. of those engaged were computer scientists. It is a reasonable assumption that a similar proportion of computer scientists were recruited in previous years.
§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for each of the last five years, how many graduates have joined(a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Air Force; and what proportion of the armed services' strength this represents.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMy noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces will write to my hon. Friend.