§ Mr. WillsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the levels of skills shortages as regards his Department's technical civilian staff in(a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997. [44390]
§ Mr. SpellarThe information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, recruitment campaigns have been necessary in recent years across a range of technical specialisms. Difficulties have been experienced primarily with computer sciences, satellite communications, electrical/electronic engineering, mathematicians and physicists. Shortages have also occurred in specialisms, such as naval architects and in the aeronautical, stress and mechanical engineering areas.