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Science in Higher Education

I congratulate the hon. Member for Reading, East (Mr. Wilson) on securing the debate, but that is the last thing on which I will congratulate him because what I just heard—I do not often reply to an Adjournment debate in this way—was, frankly, a travesty of the Government’s record of investment in our higher education system over the past nine and a half years, particularly our investment in the scientific research and development base. I want to emphasise the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the study of science and to address some of the issues that he raised in such a misleading way. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the planned closure of Reading university’s physics department is a matter for the university. I understand that the final decision will be taken on 20 November. No Government can or should dictate what subjects are taught in which institutions. I listened carefully to what he said; it was instructive. As well as berating me, he might want to berate his colleagues on the Conservative Front Bench who have not called for national intervention in the issues surrounding the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. The Government have an overall strategic responsibility, and we must ensure a strong supply of scientists. They are critical to our future economic and societal well-being.