HC Deb 15 February 2001 vol 363 c271W
15. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the competitiveness of British manufacturing. [149016]

Mr. Alan Johnson

Manufacturing industry makes a vital contribution to the economy. We are helping manufacturing industries to be more competitive by creating a stable macroeconomic climate and by pursuing policies which help firms to innovate, to develop the skills of their work force and to grow.