§ 17. Mr. James Plaskitt (Warwick and Leamington)If he will make a statement on support the Government are giving manufacturing companies in the west midlands. [44515]
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Paul Boateng)This Government are committed to the success of manufacturers in every region of the UK. The best support that Government can give is a stable macroeconomic framework, giving firms the confidence to invest for the future. We have delivered low interest rates and low and stable inflation. We are better placed to deal with the downturn than any other economy in the developed world, and we are doing so.
§ Mr. PlaskittI thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Many manufacturing companies in my constituency report improving trading conditions and order books filling up, but they also report difficulty in recruiting skilled people. What further measures can the 149 Government take to help manufacturing address the skills shortage? That will be particularly important as general conditions for the industry improve.
§ Mr. BoatengThe issue is being dealt with by the proposals that we have announced in relation to skills, 150 science and technology. It is also being dealt with as a result of the enhanced assistance now available for the regional development agencies. The position is looking good and firms will be able to benefit from the expected upturn as a result of the sound macro- and micro-economic policies on which the Government have embarked.