§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she has taken to support the competitiveness of British manufacturing since 7 June. [10991]
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§ Mr. WilsonWe are strengthening assistance to manufacturing industry through our increased support for the regional development agencies to raise innovation, enterprise and skills. We are taking forward the announced initiative to provide a manufacturing advisory service, based on provision of services on a regional basis. We are also introducing measures to help workers develop their skills and increase their prospects of finding new, better employment if they lose their jobs. These and other issues will be discussed at the manufacturing summit in Birmingham on 5 December.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures have been undertaken by her Department since 1997 to assist British manufacturing. [13502]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 12 November 2001]Since 1997 we have established a favourable macro-economic framework to ensure the future competitiveness of British manufacturing. We have built on this support with policies to foster productivity and help firms innovate and grow. We have established regional development agencies to raise innovation, enterprise and skills in every region. We are improving university and industry links to bring new products and processes in key industrial sectors to market. We are helping established industries to modernise through adopting best practice in production and supply chain management. We have strengthened the knowledge base for manufacturing through increased investment in the science infrastructure. We are creating a manufacturing advisory service, based on a centre for excellence in every region to help firms to innovate and improve their productivity. We are also introducing measures to help workers develop their skills and increase their prospects of finding new, better employment if they lose their jobs.