§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if Her Majesty's Government foresee skill shortages resulting from too few computer science graduates.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Government are aware of concern that there may be a growing shortfall of graduates with high technology related qualifications including computer science. A committee including representatives of the Government, industry and education has been urgently examining skill shortages in the information technology area. The committee produced its first report on 26 July.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the Government's attitude to the proposal thay have received from 14 leading engineering companies for a Government-sponsored agency to identify and correct shortages of technological skills; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Government welcome proposals for the better co-ordination of the efforts of376W existing bodies in this field, but I doubt whether establishing another permanent institution is the right answer. Further consideration will be given to industry's suggestions in the context of the current review of future manpower needs in the information technology field.