HC Deb 15 June 2000 vol 351 cc696-7W
29. Mr. Bill Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the Yorkshire region in the past 12 months. [124616]

Mr. Caborn

The performance of manufacturing industry in the Yorkshire and the Humber Region is regularly assessed by a number of organisations. Most recently a joint initiative has been launched by the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, and the CBI to gauge business activity in the region.

The Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber is in regular contact with local and regional partners about business matters in the region.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will undertake an assessment of the performance of manufacturing industry in Lancashire and the North West region. [124611]

Mr. Byers

Manufacturing industry is important to Lancashire and the North West. It accounts for 129,000 or 26 per cent. of jobs in Lancashire. All business performance is being continually assessed by markets operating in conditions of free and fair competition. This Government's first priority is to create and maintain the conditions of economic stability, which allow companies to plan ahead with confidence.