HC Deb 05 November 1998 vol 318 c631W
Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the current number of vacancies for chefs in Scotland. [57064]

Mr. Dewar

The figures available refer only to vacancies notified to Employment Service jobcentres. Estimates suggest that about a third of all vacancies within the UK are notified to jobcentres, but this can vary by area and type of job.

In July 1998, there were 1,367 unfilled vacancies for chefs and cooks at Employment Service jobcentres in Scotland.

Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of Scottish catering course graduates who find employment as chefs in the Scottish tourism industry. [57063]

Mr. Dewar

This information is not collected centrally.

Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the catering profession in the Scottish Chefs Centre. [57065]

Mr. Dewar

I have occasion to visit catering establishments from time to time, when I both meet members of the catering profession and enjoy the fruits of their labours. But I have not visited the Scottish Chefs Centre.