§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his contribution to the open debate on the competitiveness of EU industry In the light of globalisation, conducted at the Industry Council on 29 April; and what reports he has received about the reaction of other EU Governments to his contribution. [83740]
§ Mr. ByersMy noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the EU Industry Council held on 29 April.
During the open debate, my noble Friend highlighted what the UK saw as the key themes for the competitiveness of the EU in the face of globalisation. These were the need to improve risk taking and encourage innovation, update the EU patent system, strengthen the Internal Market and improve higher education/industry links. He also commented that to secure progress on all these themes the UK considered that changes in the structure of EU Councils, and of the Commission, were essential to promote greater coherence in decision-making, affecting competitiveness.
These ideas were echoed in many other Ministers' interventions during the debate and were reflected in the Chairman's summing up.