HC Deb 31 January 2000 vol 343 cc415-6W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to address the criticism of United Kingdom management made in his report, the United Kingdom Competitiveness Indicators 1999; and if he will make a statement. [106521]

Ms Hewitt

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Education and Employment have decided to establish the Council for Excellence in Management and Leadership, under the Chairmanship of Sir Anthony Cleaver, with the overall aim of enabling UK managers to attain and sustain world class performance. It will achieve this by identifying the main issues for management and leadership and the key stakeholders who need to take action. It will address, in particular, the needs of small firms. The Council will review the quality of management education and training, advise on action to be taken, and report annually to Government and stakeholders on progress.