§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals the Government have to deal with the skill shortages in the microelectronics industry in line with recommendations of the Electronic Components Sector Working Party; and what estimates have been made of the effect that the National Enterprise Board's major investments in this field will have on those shortages.
§ Mr. GoldingThe Department, in co-operation with the Manpower Services Commission and other Departments, is 213W reviewing the whole situation urgently. I am taking steps to ensure that the proposals from industrial training boards in response to the MSC document "Training for Skills" will pay particular attention to the demands created by the development of microelectronics. I understand that NEDO is considering commissioning some further research to follow up the sector working party's report.