HC Deb 24 October 1968 vol 770 cc329-30W
Mrs. Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what help is made available to Her Majesty's Government for British persons with scientific or educational qualifications who, having emigrated to other countries, now wish to return to Great Britain.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Her Majesty's Government sponsor four schemes for helping qualified British scientists and technologists abroad, to return to the United Kingdom:

  1. (a) The North American Joint Interviewing Board makes contact with British scientists and technologists in 330 the United States and Canada and introduces to Government Departments and related bodies those who appear suitable for research fellowships or permanent appointments.
  2. (b) The Science Research Council offers fellowships for one year to British honours graduates in Science and Technology in North America who wish to return to the United Kingdom.
    • (Under these schemes assistance from public funds may be given towards the return fare of the candidates and/or his family).
  3. (c) The Management Selection Group Ltd. operates for British companies a recruitment service among highly qualified scientists, technologists and managers in North America.
  4. (d) Five major British scientific societies operate jointly the Scientists Appointment Service, which maintains a register of British scientists resident overseas, who wish to return to work in this country and of employers interested in recruiting them.
    • (Under these schemes any assistance towards the return fare is a matter for negotiation between employer and employee).