HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc518-9W
20. Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Government assistance for exports from the UK manufacturing industry. [33814]

Nigel Griffiths

British manufacturers account for over 60 per cent. of total British exports.

This year we are spending some £69 million through British Trade International to help British exporters access the information, skills and contacts they need to trade successfully overseas.

In addition, the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) helps British exporters to compete overseas. Last year it underwrote £5.6 billion of new business.

23. Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to improve productivity in manufacturing industry. [33817]

Mr. Wilson

Since 1997 we have established a stable macro-economic framework to ensure the future competitiveness and productivity of British manufacturing. We have built on this basis with policies to promote the spread of best practice, encourage innovation, raise skills levels and improve the transfer of ideas from the science base.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the state of manufacturing industry. [33811]

Mr. Wilson

Manufacturing production is weak across the industrialised countries, including in the UK. The Government's policies are designed to assist the manufacturing sector improve its competitiveness and future prospects.