asked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions he has had, and with whom, concerning the creation of an independent body to set and administer the standards and qualifications of professional engineers and to register those who qualify.

These matters are among those which were considered by the committee of inquiry into the engineering profession chaired by Sir Monty Finniston. Pending receipt of Sir Monty's report I have had no discussions with the various parties concerned with the qualifications and registration of engineers. I intend to hold such discussions after the report is published.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he intends changing the functions of the requirements boards for engineers to ensure greater emphasis on research and engineering design.

The main tasks of the Department's requirements boards already include the encouragement of improved engineering design. In particular, the mechanical engineering and machine tool requirements board already supports research and development aimed at helping good design practices.