§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the competitiveness of British companies, with particular reference to(a) productivity, (b) innovation and (c) quality of (i) product and (ii) services. [77633]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 25 March 1999]: The UK's productivity performance has been poor and this has resulted in a standard of living that is below that of our major competitors. While the UK has some of the world's most innovative companies, producing high quality, high value goods and services, it does not have enough. The Competitiveness White Paper and the recent Budget have put in place policies to build UK capabilities, spur innovation, stimulate enterprise and raise productivity.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made in establishing a competitiveness council; and what business interests will be represented on the council. [77787]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 25 March 1999]: Our aim is to have members of the Competitiveness Council appointed by the end of April. Members will be appointed for their individual expertise rather than as representatives of particular business interests, but I do hope to have a broad range of people from small and large businesses, with experience of manufacturing and of service industries.