Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 10 January 2008.

Universities: Physics and Chemistry

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will launch fresh discussions with United Kingdom university and faculty planners to counter the continued reduction in physics and chemistry degree places.

Answer: Applications and acceptances through UCAS for physics and chemistry courses have increased by some 10 per cent over the last two years. Subjects such as physics and chemistry are starting to become more popular and are taught as major subjects at some 50 and 70 UK institutions, respectively. We have consistently made clear that if a physics or chemistry department closes at one institution, the Higher Education Funding Council for England should seek to maintain regional capacity elsewhere and report to us on how provision can be maintained in this way.

Secondary information