HC Deb 30 March 2000 vol 347 cc489-90
10. Mr. Michael J. Foster (Worcester)

If he will assess the competitiveness of manufacturing industry in Worcestershire. [115669]

The Minister for Trade (Mr. Richard Caborn)

The west midlands economic strategy was published in autumn last year. It examined the competitiveness of the whole region, including Worcestershire, and recommended five priority actions to address issues that it identified. The economic strategy takes a wide view of the issues that bear on competitiveness, rather than concentrating solely on manufacturing. It identified the need for an increase in skills, support for innovation and a number of business clusters that could be developed in that area.

Mr. Foster

I thank the Minister for that answer. What support will be given to Worcestershire's manufacturing industry following BMW's decision to sell Rover?

Mr. Caborn

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has answered a number of questions that were raised—

Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)

Not enough.

Madam Speaker

Order.

Mr. Caborn

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

A taskforce has been established and will report in the next few weeks. The Government will draw up their policies following its recommendations.

Mr. Alan Duncan (Rutland and Melton)

Many manufacturers in Worcestershire are heavily reliant on their business with Rover. They will be none too pleased with the Labour Government's completely incompetent handling of the Rover issue: they raised hopes and then showed their naivety by being taken for suckers. What is the latest on the Secretary of State's proclaimed mission to find another buyer for Rover? To whom has he spoken? Who is on his nice little shortlist? What are the prospects for a different deal? What exactly has the beleaguered Secretary of State done—or was it just a Quixotic outburst?

Mr. Caborn

If Conservative Members had developed the industrial infrastructure of this nation when they were in power, we would not be facing these problems. I have no doubt that, if they were in power now, they would dispense with the committee that is considering the position of Rover, because Conservative Front Benchers intend to abolish the region development agencies. Conservative Members dismiss the plan for competitiveness that the RDA has proposed with the support of all the stakeholders in the region. The Conservatives have no track record on manufacturing.