Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the number of skilled mechanics.

The Government are in regular contact with the automotive sector to understand their requirements and we continue to support the automotive sector, including through the Automotive Council Skills Working Group which covers skills issues across manufacturing, aftermarket (repair and servicing) and sales.

The Government recognises that skills are critical to the current and future needs of the economy and that is why we are committed to delivering a world-leading skills system that is employer-focused, high-quality, and fit for the future. This is through high quality further and higher education, apprenticeships, and adult training. This is driving productivity and growth by growing talent across the country, addressing skills shortages and responding to evolving skills needs in key growth sectors.