§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to compare the vacancies for particular skills in each journey-to-work area with the numbers obtaining City and Guilds Certificates or similar qualifications; what comparative studies or material exist; and if he will make a statement concerning long-term skill supplies in this area of qualification.
§ Mr. Golding, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 23rd November 1977; Vol. 939, c. 727], gave the following information:
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that comparative information about skilled vacancies and the numbers acquiring City and Guilds or similar qualifications is not readily available and its collection would be very costly.
I will write to the hon. Member about recent studies for demand and supply for skills in localities. Throughout this year a task group set up by the Manpower Services Commission has been considering future needs for skills in industry. The Commission has approved the report of the task group and has recommended to Government that its proposals be adopted. My right hon. Friend will be making a statement shortly.