Machine Tools (Hansard, 20 July 1993)

§ Mr. Llew Smith
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what communication he has had with DG III of the European Commission in regard to the implications for EC non-proliferation and export control policy of the proposals put forward by CECIMO, to enhance the export potential of member state machine tool manufacturers.

§ Mr. McLoughlin
DTI Ministers have no communica-tion with directorate general III of the European Commission on this matter.

§ Mr. Henderson
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new measures his Department proposes to stimulate increased investment in machine tools in the United Kingdom.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
The latest machine tool survey by Benchmark Research found that 88 per cent. of companies invest in new machinery because of the levels of the orders they are taking rather than because of Government incentives. Machine tool companies will benefit most from measures to create the right climate for industry.

§ Mr. Henderson
To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next expects to meet representatives of the machine tool industry to discuss levels of manufacturing investment.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has no current plans to meet members of the machine tool industry. However, Ministers have met representatives of the industry nine times since June 1992 and are fully aware of their concerns. Officials continue to work closely with the sector to identify how best to help them increase competitiveness.