(1) Whether the Government is on track in producing the advanced academic skills necessary for the creation of a knowledge economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the number of PhD degrees produced in 2008 represents a decline in comparison with previous years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many PhD degrees were produced in each of the past five years and (b) what is the status quo with regard to masters degrees; (3) whether the percentage of foreign students acquiring PhD degrees is increasing; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether present trends indicate that the 2018 target of (a) 6 000 PhD degrees per annum and (b) 3 000 PhD degrees in science, engineering and technology per annum will be achieved; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case (5) what are the implications of the data in respect of current education policy and practise?