HC Deb 05 July 1955 vol 543 cc86-7W
94. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that a shortage of scientific manpower is threatening the expansion of the industrial atomic energy programme; and what steps are being taken now to attract trained men and women into the service of the Authority and to train promising students for future service.

Mr. Birch

As the House will know, there is a nation-wide shortage of certain types of scientists and engineers and the question of how to remedy this shortage is at present under urgent study. The Atomic Energy Authority is doing all that lies in its power to enlist the services of trained men and women in these classes and they encourage its junior staff to secure higher qualifications by assistance with fees and facilities for study in official time.