Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Prosser (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 21 January 2010.

Universities: STEM Subjects

Question: My Lords, I trust that my noble friend is aware that there is considerable support, particularly on these Benches, for the views that he expressed yesterday in his article in the Guardian about the future of university funding. Will he reassure the House that the Government will continue to work to encourage young people, and more women, to take science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses at colleges and universities? We know that such courses open the door to STEM-related careers. Will he further tell the House what he is doing to strengthen the ties between research and business?

Answer: My Lords, the Government are investing in encouraging more young people to take up and study science. We are working with schools to promote interest in, and the study of, STEM subjects; and we are opening up opportunities in universities and beyond. I am glad to say that the uptake of STEM subjects at GCSE and A-level has been rising steadily since 2005. The Government announced a £140 million strategy in January 2008 to secure the next generation of scientists and mathematicians, and provide more and better STEM teachers. This is exactly the sort of investment that we must sustain, and exactly the sort of investment that would be in peril should those in the party opposite have the opportunity to make the swingeing cuts that they are already alluding to.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 716 c1100-1
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Finance Higher education Engineering Universities Technology Science Mathematics
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk