§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) financial and (b)other support was provided to the Industry Forum in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; what budget there is for 2001–02; and if she will make statement.
§ Ms HewittThe Industry Forum Adaptation initiative was supported by a budget of £15 million between 1998 and 2001. Due to the high demand and its growing impact on productivity across a range of sectors, a further budget of £9 million was announced at the Manufacturing Summit in December 2001. This covers FY 2002–03 and 2003–04 and strengthens the overall level of support for best practice activities. An additional £9 million was also announced to include joint activity with the Partnership Fund to integrate people and process development.
In addition, the Industry Forum Network was established in December 2000 through the Fit for the Future National Best Practice Campaign, which my Department co-funds. The network is made up of CEOs of each industry forum and facilitates cross-working and the exchange of operational experiences.