Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nadine Dorries (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 27 April 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

GCSE (Science)

Question: Countries such as China are making massive economic advances in subjects such as science and technology. Why does the Minister think it appropriate, in the face of such global economic competition, to dilute the standard of science that is taught in our schools and to close Nobel prize-winning science departments in our universities?

Answer: I assume that the hon. Lady is referring to the proposals for Sussex university that are currently being considered. Universities are autonomous—that is one of the strengths of our university system—but even if the Sussex proposals go ahead, the places will be picked up by neighbouring universities. Whatever is happening in one institution should not dilute the fact that in the current academic year we have seen a 12 per cent. increase in the number of students applying to study chemistry, and will see a further 5 per cent. increase next year. I believe that developments are moving firmly in the right direction.

Secondary information