HC Deb 17 June 1999 vol 333 c204W
22. Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he plans to improve the international competitiveness of British manufacturers. [86517]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The 77 commitments of Government action in the Competitiveness White Paper published last December are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of all business and many are directly relevant to manufacturers. Fifteen commitments have already been delivered and work is well underway on all the others, which collectively represent a long-term agenda for Government and industry. Manufacturing will play a key role in this work.