§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special efforts he is making to increase the number of girls taking physics and mathematics at an advanced level.
§ Mr. RossThe number of girls presented as school candidates for higher grade mathematics increased by 38 per cent. between 1967 and 1969. The corresponding increase in the number of girls taking at least one paper in physics on the higher grade was 14 per cent. However, in 1969 girl candidates represented only 32 per cent. and 18 per cent. respectively. The recent changes in the mathematics and physics syllabuses, with which my Department has been closely concerned, should lead to a continued increase in the numbers of both boys and girls taking these subjects.