HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc965-6W
15. Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the results of her policies for the promotion of the manufacturing industry. 76433

Alan Johnson

We published our manufacturing strategy on 16 May, building on the TUC/CBI work on productivity and the consensus achieved at the manufacturing summit we hosted last December. In partnership with industry and key stakeholders, we have established and identified seven key areas crucial for manufacturing success and driving up productivity. We are taking action in all of these areas to help UK manufacturers fulfil their potential and move up the value chain to high skill, high value operations by promoting investment, skills, innovation and best practice

16. Mr. Love

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to encourage a rise in productivity of the manufacturing industry. [76434]

Alan Johnson

The Government's manufacturing strategy was published in May. We have established in partnership with industry and key stakeholders and identified seven key areas crucial for manufacturing success and driving up productivity. We are taking action in all of these areas to help UK manufacturers fulfil their potential and move up the value chain to high skill, high value operations by promoting investment, skills, innovation and best practice.

Andrew Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made with implementation of the Government's strategy for manufacturing industry. [76435]

Alan Johnson

The Manufacturing Strategy we published on 16 May identified seven key areas of activity for manufacturing success. We have made significant progress in all of these areas to help manufacturers fulfil their potential in the UK. For example, we have: provided additional resources for regional development agencies to help them to engage local industry with innovation, develop key business clusters and sectors, and stimulate workforce development among local employers; opened seven regional centres for manufacturing excellence; increased investment in science and innovation; and boosted promotion of best practice with the expansion of the Partnership Fund and Industry Forum.