HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 cc239-40
31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will pay an official visit to Scotland.

Mr. Benn

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Dalyell

Will my right hon. Friend in particular visit those in research facilities and in industries working on computer-aided design?

Mr. Benn

There are a number of establishments for which the Ministry of Technology is responsible in Scotland, and I have it in mind to visit a number of them. I will certainly bear my hon. Friend's point in mind.

Mr. David Price

Will the right hon: Gentleman bear in mind on his Scottish visit that the computer industry, both in Scotland and in England, is being held up in its development by the shortage of both scientific and technical staff? Would he look round at the many establishments for which he is responsible to see if it is possible to encourage some of the staff in the 30–40 age band to move into industry, particularly in electronics and computers?

Mr. Benn

As the hon. Gentleman knows, one of the problems which has to be dealt with is the optimum deployment of our very scarce supply of skilled people.