§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what representations he has received about shortages of skilled manpower in (a) manufacturing industry and (b) the chemical industry in particular; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI have not received any direct representations about the shortages of skilled manpower in the manufacturing and chemical industries.
Current information on skill shortages indicates that overall there is no shortfall of skilled workers although there are shortages of workers with particular skills, especially those associated with the application of new technology. In the chemical industry in particular a recent survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry and the Manpower Services Commission reported that only 2 per cent. of respondents expected that skill shortages would limit output over the next four months.
However, the Government are very concerned that, in the long-term, shortages of skills do not become a barrier to increased output and to individuals' work opportunities, so that positive action is being taken to help alleviate them. A number of the Manpower Services Commission's adult training schemes are designed to address immediate skill needs by focusing directly on the needs of local employers, as well as action to increase the supply of skills in the longer term through two-year YTS, the non-advanced further education initiative and other adult training policies. Nevertheless, the Government remain convinced that training to meet skill needs is primarily the responsibility of industry itself and consistently urge employers to see that training is an investment rather than an overhead.