§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he anticipates that there will be a growth in demand for skilled staff in (a) information technology and (b) telecommunications in the next decade; and what steps are being taken to meet any additional requirements.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Government's strategy is directed towards encouraging industry to assume its proper responsibilities for identifying and meeting its manpower requirements. Our support for employers' training efforts will be focused on those skills in real demand, particularly in information and new technologies. The first two reports of the information technology skills shortage committee, including representatives of Government, industry and education indicate a growing demand for staff with information technology skills, and made recommendations for action. Its final report is due to be published shortly.