Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Sharp of Guildford (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 3 December 2009.

Cultural and Creative Arts

Question: I am grateful to the Minister for his positive answer. Is he aware that these industries, even through the recession, have been growing by 5 per cent a year in GDP terms? It is the fastest growing employment sector in the UK and contributes more to the balance of payments than even the banking sector. Nevertheless there are crucial skills shortages in the sector, particularly among technicians, and the companies concerned are having to recruit overseas applicants for these jobs. Are the Government right, therefore, to put so much emphasis on the STEM subjects in their skills and universities policies? Should these sectors not be given somewhat more priority in skills funding?

Answer: My Lords, the noble Baroness is right to identify the importance of this sector. She is also right to draw attention to the question of skills. As she will know, since the Leitch report we have addressed ourselves significantly and particularly to the issue of technicians’ skills. That is the basis of our apprenticeship strategy. Of course she will also know that it takes a little while for this process to produce results. However, we are addressing ourselves to the matter. As for higher education, we have a project with the University of Brighton to look at the relationship between higher education and this industry and at whether the courses are fit for purpose from the employers’ as well as the universities’ perspectives. That is a constructive approach.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 715 c800
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Arts Culture Higher education Training Technicians National income
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk