asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of those who graduated from universities in the United Kingdom in 1974 have still not found permanent employment.

According to provisional figures supplied by the University Grants Committee 1,658 students, or 3 per cent. of the total who obtained first degrees from universities in the United Kingdom in 1973–74, were believed to be unemployed when last contacted between graduation and 31st December 1974. In addition there were 2,052 graduates or 4 per cent. of the total in temporary employment in the United Kingdom with no permanent employment or further study firmly arranged. The corresponding figures in 1972–73 were 1,453–3 per cent. — and 2,028–4 per cent.— respectively, and 1,891–3 per cent.— and 1,802–3 per cent.— in 1971–72.