HC Deb 29 July 1963 vol 682 cc25-6W
Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education (1) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering was less in 1962 than in 1961;

(2) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 1962 was less than in 1960 and 1961;

(3) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering in 1962 was less than in 1961;

(4) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering for 1962 was less than in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

Sir E. Boyle

It is not practicable to isolate the factors causing a reduction in numbers in higher national certificates and diplomas in these subjects in 1962, but the figures almost certainly reflect the increasing extent to which those seeking professional qualifications are taking full-time and sandwich courses leading to such qualifications as the Diploma in Technology; for example, since 1959 the number of Dip. Tech. students in Mechanical (including Production) Engineering has increased from 802 to 1,831, and in Electrical Engineering from 867 to 1,791.