Budget Debate - Sussex University Chemistry Department
During the debate following the Budget Statement, concerns were raised about the numbers of science and engineering graduates in the UK. Brooks Newmark calls for support for Sussex University which is to close its chemistry department.
Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I would be interested to know what the right hon. Gentleman feels about the Government not supporting Sussex university, which is to close its five-star chemistry department.
Mr. McFall: It is a matter for universities to decide what they do and on what particular issues they focus. What I would be concerned about is if the country as a whole-UK plc-was not facing up to and addressing the national shortage of science and engineering graduates. We must focus on the big picture.
