§ 31. Andy BurnhamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further steps he is taking to help manufacturing industry in deprived areas. [85281]
§ John HealeyThe Chancellor announced in the Pre-Budget Report the creation of 2,000 Enterprise Areas, which form the focus for Government support to businesses in disadvantaged areas. This is reflected in a number of new measures, which will benefit manufacturers in these areas. In particular
An exemption from stamp due for all commercial property transactions, subject to state aids approval.A special package of support from the Inland Revenue and a commitment from HM Customs and Excise to examine how their support services for businesses can be enhanced and targeted more effectively in disadvantaged areas.New grants from the Business Incubation Fund with higher levels of funding in disadvantaged areas.Legislation for Business Planning Zones (BPZs), which will provide a more flexible planning regime for businesses in designated areas of England.
§ 32. Mr. BurstowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of trends in manufacturing output in the south east since January 2001. [85282]
§ John HealeyManufacturing output in the UK has slowed since January 2001, clearly influenced by the synchronised global economic slowdown, the collapse in the demand for ICT related goods and the heightened uncertainty over the outlook for the world economy. The Office for National Statistics does not collect regional data on manufacturing output. However, both the Confederation of British Industry and the British Chamber of Commerce surveys for the third quarter of 2002 reported that businesses expect output to increase over the coming months, with the latter reporting the south east region with the highest balance of manufacturers expecting turnover to increase.