§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to encourage young people to take degree courses in physical science; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsMy right hon. Friend and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for68W Education and Science have made it clear in the recently published paper "The School Curriculum" that science is an essential component of education for all pupils of 11 to 16 and that we intend to consider further the problems which need to be solved in the schools if more able pupils, particularly girls, are to be attracted to the physical sciences. This in turn should lead to an increase in the number of young people pursuing degree courses in the physical sciences.