§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent representations he has received from(a) right hon. and hon. Members, (b) trade associations and employers organisations and (c) training companies, concerning higher level skills shortages in the information technology sector. [79834]
723W
§ Mr. Ivan LewisI have not received any significant representations on higher level skills shortages in the Information Technology (IT) sector in the last six months. Skills deficits in the sector have declined from their peak in 1999 when the Stevens report, "Skills for the Information Age" highlighted these issues. Since that time, an £8 million programme of measures has been put in place to improve the image of the IT industry, build greater understanding of the labour market and strengthen links between education and industry.