§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the sectoral divisions he has created in his Department; for each what are their current work programme priorities and recent contacts; and if he will list the studies, projects and research reports they have commissioned.
§ Mr. EggarIn the reorganisation of the Department which my right hon. Friend announced on 3 July he said that the Department would be adopting a more directly sectoral approach in the industries for which it is responsible. Seven new sectoral divisions were created to cover the key sectors not previously dealt with in this way:
- Chemicals and biotechnology
- Steel, metals and minerals
- Vehicles (also covering shipbuilding)
- Aerospace
- Electronic and electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Textiles and retailing
The sectoral divisions, both new and old, have been given the explicit role of sponsoring their industries, not uncritically, but as the basis for an informed dialogue and a constructive partnership between the Government and business. In addition, the new industrial competitiveness division is examining what lessons can be learnt from the leading industrialised countries and ensuring that policies of all Government Departments take due account of the need to promote the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry and commerce.
All sectoral divisions are taking forward my right hon. Friend's initiative and developing their contacts with their industries. My right hon. Friend will be reviewing their current work priorities and progress made during the MINIS discussions which he will be holding with his officials over the next few months.