asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that a small number of university students reading natural science, who are to be released under his present arrangements, will be sufficient to meet the demands for extended research and technological development in this country during the next few years; and whether he will consider increasing, at an early opportunity, the number of science students who can be released under special arrangements

I hope that releases from the Forces and from civilian employment, together with the fresh entrants for whom deferment has been agreed, will fill the available places at the universities. Recognising the urgent need for more trained scientists, my right hon. Friend has under constant review the possibilities of increasing the supply without prejudicing the general scheme of demobilisation.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider revising the circular issued by his Department last May regarding the deferment of students? For example, in the Wigan Mining and Technical College, only six out of 24 students have been deferred, and there is great feeling about this.

We are advised in this matter by the scholastic authorities.