§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to promote manufacturing sector jobs(a) in Havering and (b) in the UK. [184250]
§ Jacqui SmithWith the Government's Manufacturing Strategy—the first for over 30 years—which we developed in partnership with industry, trade unions, and other stakeholders, we are taking a range of actions to create a modern manufacturing sector with a highly skilled, highly paid workforce. We published a review of the Government's Manufacturing Strategy on 15 July 2004, highlighting what has been achieved since the Strategy was established in May 2002. Details of the review are available at http://www.dti.gov.uk/manufacturing.
Manufacturers in Havering benefit from the actions the London Development Agency is taking to ensure a strong and sustained manufacturing base through its support of the London Production Industries Commission, and the London Manufacturing Advisory Service which has handled over 2,200 enquiries and added value of nearly £3 million a year to manufacturing companies in London in its first two years. The Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence in Dagenham also provides educational and training opportunities for local industry, including that of Havering, with access to leading edge technology through links with Ford, their suppliers and other local and international companies.