§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a circular to local education authorities encouraging them to increase the provision of further education of engineering-linked information technology courses related to machine automation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William SheltonI refer the hon. Member to my letter of 14 January 1983, a copy of which is in the Library, following his question of 22 December. The Government are concerned to improve educational provision throughout microelectronics including machine automation, and the initiatives described in my letter are expected to contribute to this. These initiatives are already receiving considerable publicity, and my right hon. Friend sees no need to issue a circular.