§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed in the retail motor industry in the United Kingdom. [18464]
§ Ms HewittApproximately 600,000 people are employed in the retail motor industry in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the terms of reference and composition are of the Automotive Innovative Growth Team; and if she will make a statement. [18466]
§ Ms HewittThe Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (AIGT) was established in April 2001 under the chairmanship of Sir Ian Gibson. The remit of the AIGT is to:
- Understand and evaluate the factors that will drive the automotive sector globally, identifying the opportunities and threats to the UK as a market and supply base;
- Formulate a vision of what the industry in the UK could be in five to 15 years' time;
- Stimulate frank debate about where the UK's sources of competitive advantage lie and how best to exploit these to drive positive long-term changes;
- Develop, co-ordinate and promote a new strategy to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the automotive sector;
- Make recommendations to Government, industry and others for specific action including changes in both policies and processes.
The Members of the AIGT Strategy Team are as follows:
- Chairman
- Sir Ian Gibson
- Members
- Mike Baunton, Perkins Engines
- Jonathan Browning, formerly of Jaguar
- Hugh Chambers, Prodrive
- Richard Clowes, GKN
- John Cushnaghan, Nissan
152W - Tod Evans, Peugeot
- Sir Ken Jackson, AEEU
- Professor Dan Jones, University of Cardiff Business School
- Mike O'Shea, DTI
- Graham Smith, Toyota
- Willy Rickett, Department of Transport Local Government and the Regions
- Philip Rutnam, HM Treasury
- Alex Stephenson, Advantage West Midlands.
Further details of the AIGT's work can be found in the interim report published in October, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.