HIGH LEVEL SKILLS AND A COMPETITIVE ECONOMY

That this House recognises the unprecedented competitive challenge the UK faces in areas long regarded as its key areas of strength such as high level skills, scientific research, design and innovation; further recognises that the creative industries alone contribute eight per cent. of UK gross domestic product and contribute £11.6 billion to the balance of trade; believes that the UK still fails to exploit fully the world class skills of its creative and design communities; commends the work of the Design Skills Advisory Panel, Design Council and the Creative and Cultural Skills Council; and calls on all Parliamentarians to support their work.