§ Maria EagleTo ask the President of the Council what plans she has to set up a unit to co-ordinate contacts between the business sector and Government Departments. [122225]
§ Mrs. BeckettFollowing discussions with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, I have set up a new Business Co-ordination unit within my Department. It will work with the DTI and Treasury to co-ordinate contacts across other Government Departments with the business community.
The Government have always been committed to maintaining good channels of communication between themselves and the business community, and this unit will make further contributions to that work.
I have been asked to take on this role by the Prime Minister because of my role as cross-Government spokesperson and my experience of leading initiatives which cut across the whole of Whitehall. I will be working closely with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.