§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what efforts are being undertaken by his Department to strengthen the ties between innovation and manufacturing in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LeighDTI continues to encourage innovation in manufacturing industry through regional and development grant schemes, technology transfer and best practice awareness programmes and through the work of its innovation unit. The unit works closely with industry to educate the financial and business community about the importance nationally of innovation. The president's recent reorganisation of the Department has created sectoral divisions which, through an active dialogue with companies, will be better placed to champion the needs of industry throughout Government. This joint approach with industry is geared to improve United Kingdom firms' competitiveness, both nationally and internationally.