Competitiveness (Hansard, 12 December 2002)

§ 20. Mr. Swire
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he received in advance of the pre-Budget report on Government policy and UK competitiveness; and if he will make a statement. [85268]

§ John Healey
The Chancellor meets regularly with representatives of industry to discuss a wide range of issues, including the pre-Budget report.
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PBR 2002 continues the Government's programme of microeconomic reform, targeting historic weakness in the key drivers of productivity performance:

Strengthening the competition regime through the Enterprise Act

Promoting enterprise by modernising the UK's business tax regime, and promoting an entrepreneurial culture

Supporting science and innovation through the Government's comprehensive science strategy, and announcing two complementary reviews into business innovation and university-business links

improving UK skills through measures to support the expansion and improvement of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, and by expanding the employer training pilots to improve work force skills

Promoting investment by reforming the planning system.

§ 21. Dr. Palmer
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his discussions within the EU on reforms to the Stability and Growth Pact. [85269]

§ Ruth Kelly
I refer my hon. Friend to the comments made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Treasury oral questions on 7 November 2002,Official Report, columns 413–16.

§ Mr. Brazier
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he received in advance of the pre-Budget report from members of the manufacturing industry regarding competitiveness. [85275]

§ John Healey
The Chancellor meets regularly with representatives of manufacturing industry to discuss a wide range of issues, including the pre-Budget report.
The pre-Budget report confirms the Government's agenda to promote productivity, growth and employment. The Government are demonstrating their support for manufacturers by:

Making enhanced investment allowances for small and medium sized firms permanent.

Providing R&D tax credits to all companies, which will overwhelmingly benefit manufacturers, who undertake most of the UK's business R&D.

Creating venture capital funds in every English region providing £270 million (including up to £8 million of Government funding) for investment in small firms with high growth potential.

Establishing the Small Business Service to ensure that the interests and concerns of small firms are properly reflected in Government policy and programmes.

Strengthening the Regional Development Agencies (RDA), whose key role is promoting business efficiency, investment and competitiveness.

Establishing regional centres of manufacturing excellence in every region of England and Wales.