§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the(a) status and (b) composition is of 219W the ministerial group on manufacturing job losses referred to by the Leader of the House on 21 December 2000, Official Report, column 574. 1145777]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThere is no formal ministerial group as described by the hon. Member on 21 December 2000,Official Report, column 574. However in addition to work undertaken by certain Committees, different groups of Ministers do meet from time to time to discuss industrial issues, including job losses. The status of such groups is informal and membership varies according to the issue under discussion. I am advised that my right hon. Friend was referring to the ongoing activity of such informal meetings and groups.