HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 c961W
19. Mr. Challen

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to improve productivity in Yorkshire and the Humber. [163451]

Jacqui Smith

The Government are committed to raising the productivity of UK business in order to provide prosperity for everybody in our country. Within Yorkshire and the Humber, my Department works closely with Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for the region, which has made improved productivity a key priority in then Regional Economic Strategy.

Since its launch in may 2002, the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has contacted 691 companies. This has resulted to date in company improvements in productivity added value of £7.8 million per annum.