§ 57. Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the report on "Animal Diseases Research" by Professor Biggs, as described in the press statement by the Agriculture and Food Research Council, September 1985, has yet been received; whether it will be published; and what conclusions were drawn by Professor Biggs regarding the future of Houghton Poultry Research Station.
§ Mr. WaldenProfessor Biggs' report was received by the Agricultural and Food Research Council in January 1986. I understand that it is not the council's intention to publish the report, but that it will be used by the council in determining future policy for animals disease research. The report reviews options for the organisation of this research, but contains no specific conclusions or recommendations on the long term future of the Houghton poultry research station.
46W
Year Subject specialism England and Wales Mathematics Science† Total secondary phase 1983 Public sector 478 587 5,292 UDEs * * * 1984 Public sector 362 382 4,162 UDEs 568 958 3,898 1985 Public sector 312 335 3,604 UDEs 519 874 3,721 * Not available. † Includes physics, chemistry, biological sciences and combined integrated or general science.
§ 60. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students are currently engaged in engineering, mathematics and science-related courses of study; what were the corresponding numbers in 1978–79; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenThe information is given in the following table. The Government's policy is to encourage a continuing shift in emphasis towards higher education courses in these subjects.