Local MP Calls for Debate on Science and Technology Skilling

During yesterdays Business of the House debate Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, asked the Leader of the House for a debate on science and technology skilling.

Christopher said, “May we have a debate on science and technology skilling, because over 30% of the 200 businesses I have polled in my constituency were concerned about the science and technology skills of their new recruits?

“A debate would enable us to discuss how we can improve those skills and help businesses in places like Tamworth, which has an unemployment rate of just 2%, find the resources they need.”

The Leader of the House of Commons, Andrew Lansley MP, replied, “I agree with my hon. Friend.  This is very important.  He will recall the initiative just last September of a £400 million fund, £200 million from the Government matched by £200 million from the private sector, for university science departments to develop world-class facilities so that Britain can meet the science industry’s demand for highly skilled young people.

“In my constituency, only last week recruitment was taking place for the first entry to the university technical college in Cambridge, which is offering courses and places focusing on life sciences training for young people, and similar things are happening in other places.  We need these developments, and we are very much aware of the demands coming from industry for those kinds of skills.  I hope in Tamworth and elsewhere we will increasingly be able to support the places that are required.”