§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report those categories of employment in which there are still shortages of skilled workers; and what measures the Government intend to take in order to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. Jim LesterAlthough vacancies in skilled occupations are generally filled quickly, vacancies in a few key skills, notably in some skilled engineering trades and in computer-related occupations, are still hard to fill. Government support through the Manpower Services Commission is available where help is essential to help meet key training objections and in some cases—for instance computer skills—the MSC has expanded its training provision to alleviate critical skill shortages. But the primary responsibility for overcoming skill shortages lies with industry and employers.