§ Mr. Spearingasked the Paymaster General what estimates he has made of skill shortages both nationally and regionally and which skills are now in shortest supply.
§ Mr. TrippierEvidence of skill shortages has emerged as the economic recovery has gathered pace. These shortages have been restricted mainly to the south east and are most prominent in high technology occupations, in particular, professional engineers and computer staff, but have also appared in traditional craft skills such as machinists, welders, and textiles-clothing occupations.