Manufacturing Competitiveness

HC Deb 03 December 1998 vol 321 cc281-2W

13. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on manufacturing competitiveness. [61309]

Mr. Mandelson

We recognise the difficulty that the downturn in the world economy is causing certain sections of our manufacturing industry and exporters. However, not all is doom and gloom. We believe that the tough and decisive action this Government have taken is creating the conditions for stability necessary to build Britain's long-term prosperity. And as the Government's Competitiveness White Paper will show, we are taking measures to stimulate greater enterprise, innovation and exploitation of knowledge, all of which will underpin Britain's competitiveness into the new Millennium.