§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology how many graduate or similarly qualified personnel are now employed by the Atomic Energy Authority; and what 166W was the figure for the nearest available date one and two years ago.
§ Mr. BennThe information is as follows:
1st October, 1966 … … 4,780 1st October, 1965 … … 4,965 1st October, 1964 … … 5,075
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology what representations he has received from the Electronics Development Committee suggesting qualified specialists should be released from the Atomic Energy Authority for employment in industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennMy Department has received no direct representations from the Committee but I am aware of the views expressed in paragraph 55 of its recent report. Until the current review of the Atomic Energy Authority's forward programme has been completed it will not be possible to say whether the number of qualified specialists employed by the Authority can be further reduced.