Recent figures from the Royal Society show a huge rise in investment for scientific development in the East of England.
Mrs Churchill said: “In 2013, over £5 billion was invested towards research and development within the science industry in East Anglia. So far, this expansion has delivered 33,000 skilled jobs to residents. In contrast, school uptake of maths and science within Bury St. Edmunds is low, with 23%, 21% and 10% of students electing to study maths, chemistry and physics at A-Level.
What these figures show is that there is local expertise and opportunity in East Anglia’s science sector and that we need to champion maths and sciences within the constituency. Therefore, I have written to Ms Sue Cook, Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Suffolk County Council, with a view to raising these figures.
We know our regional scientific industry can deliver skilled opportunities. I want to know what can be done to increase the number of students from Suffolk able to pursue them.”
ENDS
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ONS (2014) Business Enterprise Research and Development. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_385959.pdf
