§ 31. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour how many officers of his Department are engaged in the study designed to estimate the demand for skilled labour in five years' time; when he expects them to complete this task; what steps he will then take to make their findings known; whether this is the first operation of its kind carried on by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawA small research unit has recently been set up in the Ministry to study future needs for skilled manpower. The study of manpower statistics and information has long been a normal function of the Ministry and the work of the unit, which will be concerned particularly with the skilled engineering and building trades, is designed to supplement this. At present the number of staff employed full-time is two but many others will also be involved as required. Some results should be available next year and my right hon. Friend will consider the question of publication in due course.
§ Mr. PrenticeIs it not clear from the recent Report of the National Economic Development Council that what is badly needed is a manpower budget going some years ahead in terms of skilled manpower? Was it not equally 427 clear from the hon. Gentleman's reply just now to my hon. Friends from Scotland that there is great confusion on Clydeside and elsewhere about the relationship of training programmes to needs? Will a unit of two people really cope with this problem? Should not the Ministry have many more people working on it and doing so with a great sense of urgency?
§ Mr. WhitelawI made clear in my original Answer that the number of staff employed full time was two but that many others will also be involved in this research. I quite agree with the hon. Member that the importance of this work is considerable. If necessary, and as it develops, the number of staff will be increased.