Scottish Universities (Engineering and Science Graduates)

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 December 1965.

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Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West 12:00, 22 December 1965

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total numbers of engineers and scientists, respectively, produced by Scottish universities in each of the last five years; and, in each case, how many subsequently secured employment in Scotland.

Photo of Mr William Ross Mr William Ross , Kilmarnock

The available figures for applied scientists do not differentiate between engineers and others. The provisional returns for 1964–65 show that 779 students graduated in applied science and 918 in pure science. Corresponding figures for previous years are given in Table 6 of the annual University Grants Committee returns.

I am having such information as is available on employment extracted and will send it to my hon. Friend.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West

While that Answer is satisfactory as far as it goes, would my right hon. Friend consider publishing it in the OFFICIAL REPORT SO that all hon. Members who are interested might have the information available? Would it not be desirable, in view of the need to get the Scottish economy growing, that my right hon. Friend should himself produce an annual report containing the relevant figures and statistical information about the universities, instead of having to refer to the U.G.C. and other bodies?

Photo of Mr William Ross Mr William Ross , Kilmarnock

No, Sir. If we get the information from one body—that is, the right body—that should meet our need. I will consider the other point raised by my hon. Friend.

Photo of Mr Michael Noble Mr Michael Noble , Argyll

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, whatever the statistics may show when we have an opportunity of seeing them, too many scientists are still leaving Scotland? Is this not a good reason for the right hon. Gentleman using his best endeavours to get things like a computer centre in Scotland?

Photo of Mr William Ross Mr William Ross , Kilmarnock

The use of scientists is certainly something which we are anxious to forward, and we are doing everything we can in that way.