§ Lord Jenkin of Roding asked Her Majesty's GovernmentWhat progress has been made in efforts to improve the availability of Japanese speakers to work in British business.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)I am pleased to be able to announce that my department is now implementing an initiative which aims to share with British companies the cost of stimulating a substantial increase in the number of graduates with Japanese language ability available to British commerce and industry. Educational institutions are invited to submit proposals for funding to increase the number of students passing through relevant courses. Proposals will need to include arrangements for matching funds from private sector sources. Postgraduate, conversion and interdisciplinary courses, as well as traditional undergraduate courses, will be eligible. Priority will be given to business-related courses providing a period of study or work experience in Japan.
My department will make available a total of £1.6 million, over four years, for this purpose.