§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received from the National Electronics Council regarding the shortage of graduate skills in the electronics and information technology industries; what action his Department is taking to increase the number of such skilled graduates; and if he will make a statement.
(2) what evidence he has of the demand for graduate skills in the electronics and information technology industries over the past three years; what has been the shortfall; what actions are being taken by his Department to overcome the shortfall; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherI draw the attention of the hon. Member to the first report of the information technology skills committee, which has been meeting under my 41W chairmanship, a copy of which I placed in the Library on 26 July. The report draws on material supplied to the Department of Trade and Industry by the National Electronics Council.