§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the manufacturing industry on the effect of the level of the pound against the euro since 1997; and if she will make a statement. [35301]
§ Mr. WilsonI and my ministerial colleagues understand the difficulties that the weakness of the euro and the slowdown in the world economy are causing for British industry, particularly manufacturing. We often receive representations from manufacturers on a wide range of issues, including those relating to the euro, and we value their insights.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the future of manufacturing industry. [35626]
§ Mr. WilsonThe stable macro-economic framework we have established—together with our policies to promote the spread of best practice, encourage innovation, raise skills levels and improve the transfer of ideas from the science base—are the best way to ensure the future competitiveness of the UK's manufacturing industry.