HC Deb 18 January 2001 vol 361 cc310-1W
19. Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the London region; and if he will make a statement. [144547]

Mr. Caborn

The Office for National Statistics figures for 1997, which are the latest figures available, show that the performance of manufacturing industry in London, on a gross value added per employee basis, is 112.4 per cent. of the UK average. Labour productivity is the second highest of the English regions.

29. Mr. Burden

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. [144557]

Mr. Caborn

Manufacturing industry makes a vital contribution to the economy. We are helping manufacturing companies to be competitive by creating the right economic climate of stability, low inflation, and sound public finances and through policies which help firms to innovate, develop the skills of their work-force and grow.

30. Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of performance in the manufacturing industry in the west midlands region. [144558]

Mr. Caborn

The Office for National Statistics figures for 1997, the latest that are available, show the performance of manufacturing industry in the west midlands, on a gross value added per employee basis, is 91.5 per cent. of the UK average.