HC Deb 23 November 1994 vol 250 cc202-3W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next plans to visit Ilford to discuss the future of manufacturing industry.

Mr. Eggar

I hope to meet manufacturers from Ilford and the surrounding area early next year in the course of a series of meetings to promote manufacturing in London.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures he will take to increase investment in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Heseltine

The most important influence on investment is a stable economic climate built on low inflation. Underlying inflation is at its lowest level for 27 years. My Department is helping companies to win in world markets through improvements in their competitiveness.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were in employment in manufacturing industries in June 1979 and June 1994.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Employment in manufacturing industry—Great Britain—was 7.3 million in June 1979 and 4.6 million in June 1994. The fall in manufacturing employment since 1979 reflects structural changes and sharply increased productivity.

Mr. John Greenway

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to improve the competitiveness of United Kingdom manufacturing firms.

Mr. Heseltine

The White Paper, "Competitiveness: Helping Business to Win" sets out the most comprehensive agenda ever to raise the competitiveness of United Kingdom manufacturing firms. The Government are committed to work with business to create a climate in which all United Kingdom companies can compete and beat the world's best.