§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the286W engineering profession since May 1998 on investment in the UK's engineering base. [70704]
§ Mrs. RocheThe Chancellor has had frequent discussions with representatives from business since May 1998, many of whom have been members of the engineering profession. The Chancellor has focused particularly on the UK's productivity record and how business and Government can work together to improve it. Investment by business, including the engineering sector, has featured as one of the key areas for improvement.