HC Deb 14 February 1994 vol 237 cc593-4W
36. Mr. Brandreth

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what initiatives he is taking to promote a greater interest by young people in science and engineering.

Mr. Waldegrave

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of encouraging young people to take an interest in science and engineering. This campaign which I launched last month includes a range of activities aimed at young people. In particular, the Office of Science and Technology is providing grants of £150,000 for projects involving school children.

41. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many scientists and engineers there are employed in Britain in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the work force; and what is the average for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Mr. David Davis

The spring 1993 labour force survey indicated that of just over 24 million employees, just over 1.5 million, or 6.7 per cent., held a higher education qualification in a science, engineering or technological subject. According to OECD figures, which are based on 25 to 34-year-olds only, in 1991 there were about 770 science and engineering graduates per 100,000 of the United Kingdom labour force. This compares with a mean for the OECD of 633 per 100,000.

37. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the costs of the citizens charter, to the latest possible date.

Mr. David Davies

The citizens charter applies to all public services, and this is reflected in their individual expenditure programmes. Centrally, the cost of the charter unit between the inception of the citizens charter and 31 December 1993 was £6,870,549.

38. Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further plans he has to make the citizens charter justiciable.

Mr. Waldegrave

The strength of the citizens charter lies in raising the standard of public services. We have no plans to make it legally enforceable. However, where necessary, specific charter provisions are backed by legislation.

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