HC Deb 28 November 1988 vol 142 cc67-8W
Mr. Fisher

To ask the Prime Minister what progress has been made in implementing the 25 suggestions for action which she made to the design seminar in 1982.

The Prime Minister

The first design seminar at 10 Downing street held in January 1982 marked the start of a substantial programme of Government activity to promote design awareness.

Recommendations made by senior industrialists, designers and educationists at the seminar fell into two broad themes: industry and education. These have been the centre of our design policy and objectives.

Our records show that 31 separate recommendations were made at the 1982 seminar. Of these, 27 could be said to be addressed to the Government or agencies close to them (for example the Design Council). Of those 27, activities and initiatives have been pursued in respect of 23.

Examples are: design consultancy support for over 6,000 projects in small and medium size firms; measures to improve and assist the teaching of design in primary and secondary schools; measures to improve design education at tertiary level and introduce design modules into management and business courses; major awareness campaigns aimed at industry involving DTI Ministers; encouraging closer collaboration between the teaching of product design and engineering design; assisting a greater volume of research and reports on design issues; support for a wide variety of non-Government bodies to help in the task of spreading design awareness.

At a second design seminar I held in January 1987 our efforts were welcomed by a similar audience who urged the Government to continue with them. We have done so.