§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what studies his Department has carried out to assess future demand by(a) British industry and (b) the teaching profession for (i) engineers in general and (ii) electrical engineers in particular; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FormanThe Department has not carried out a specific study to assess future demand for engineers by British industry or the teaching profession. As announced in the Government's White Paper "Higher Education: Meeting The Challenge" (Cm 114, 1987), the Department participated in the Interdepartmental Review which reported on prospective needs for new graduates in general by industry, commerce and the public services ("Highly Qualified People: Supply and Demand" HMSO 1990). The Engineering Council is currently undertaking a review of the formation of engineers. One part of this review will address needs, demands and supply of engineers, and concentrate on industrial and economic issues. I look forward to the report of this work—expected in spring 1993.