HC Deb 17 July 1984 vol 64 cc105-6W
32. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has further plans to increase the number of graduates in new technology subjects.

Sir Keith Joseph

Between 1983–84 and 1987–88 the output of electrical and electronic engineering graduates from universities and the public sector of higher education is projected to increase by 23 per cent. on present plans. In the same period the output of computer science graduates is projected to increase by 19 per cent. To graduate output must be added postgraduate students coming from information technology conversion courses — an additional 900 this year and over 1,000 in 1984–85.

The Government are currently considering whether these increases are sufficient, and I have held discussions with, among others, the chairman of the Engineering Council and the chairman of the UGC. A committee chaired by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is investigating skill shortages in the information technology area and will report shortly.

40. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the quality and quantity of resources available to support education and training for the new technologies in further and higher education institutions.

Sir Keith Joseph

The hon. Member may know that in December 1982 I announced a three-year programme to increase information technology courses in higher education. In the first year of the programme over 2,300 extra student places were provided, and by 1985–86 this will have arisen to 5,000 extra places. At the same time, I announced a programme to bring "new blood" into the universities by funding the appointment of additional lecturers, mainly in the natural sciences and technology.

Under the Education (Grants and Awards) Act 1984 I shall in 1985–86 make available grants to support expenditure of up to £13 million to extend the use and awareness of information technology at further education establishments including the provision of hardware. I intend to continue this support in subsequent years.

Substantial increases in the supply of graduates from universities and the public sector with new technology related qualifications are projected on present plans. The Government are currently considering whether these increases will be sufficient.