HC Deb 22 November 1954 vol 533 cc97-8W
Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

asked the Minister of Defence the total number of science graduates at present employed on instructional duties in the Fighting Services; and the average annual intake of science graduates into the Services for this purpose.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The number of uniformed personnel holding degrees in science, including mathematics and engineering, who are at present employed on instructional duty in the Services is about 940. The average annual intake for this purpose into the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force together over the last three years has been about 165. In the Army science graduates are not as a rule recruited specifically for instructional duties.

In addition, some 120 civilian science or engineering graduates are employed on instructional duties with all three Services, with an average annual intake of about 10 over the last three years.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

asked the Minister of Defence the total number of science graduates at present employed on Government research and development for the Fighting Services; and the average annual intake of science graduates into Government service for this work.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Some 2,860 civilian science and engineering graduates are employed on research and development by the Service and supply Departments. The average intake over the past three years has been about 185. Science graduates are not recruited into the Services specifically for research and development duties, but about 110 uniformed personnel holding degrees in science, including mathematics and engineering, are in addition employed on research and development for the Services.