asked the Minister for Labour if he has any plans to counteract the shortage of skilled workers which is stated to be an impediment to our industrial expansion.

While I recognise that there are shortages of some skills, I am satisfied that they are not of the dimensions suggested. Indeed, I found it necessary recently to issue a statement correcting figures emanating from an industrial organisation which were found on a check by the National Manpower Service to be grossly exaggerated.

At the same time I am conscious of implications of any skills shortages and have, therefore, arranged that they shall be made a matter of priority by the Manpower Consultative Committee which will be holding its first meeting next week.