HC Deb 14 February 1989 vol 147 cc154-5W
96. Mr. Ian Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the anticipated shortfall in the availability of skilled workers in England and Wales in 1989–90; and what steps are being taken to increase the supply of skilled workers, especially in the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Cope

There is no overall measure of the shortfall in the availability of skilled workers. The steps being taken by the Government to increase the supply of skilled workers in all industries are set out in the training section of the White Paper "Employment for the 1990s" published in December.

104. Mr. Ron Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has received recent representations from the Confederation of British Industry about skill shortages; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cope

I have received no recent representations from the Confederation of British Industry about skill shortages. My Department is working closely with employers to ensure that they are fully equipped to meet their skill needs in the 1990s. The training section of the White Paper "Employment for the 1990s" published in December sets out the steps being taken to counter skill shortages.