HC Deb 17 July 1984 vol 64 cc104-5W
30. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate for the shortfall in graduates with high technology related qualifications over the next five years.

Sir Keith Joseph

The Government are aware of concern that there may be a shortfall of such graduates. Substantial increases in the supply of graduates from universities and the public sector with high technology related qualifications are projected for the next five years on present plans. The Government are currently considering whether these increases will be sufficient. A committee chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South-West (Mr. Butcher), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, is investigating skill shortages in the information technology area, and will report shortly.