Written question asked by David Ward (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 3 December 2010. It was answered by Mark Prisk (Conservative) on Friday, 3 December 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Manufacturing Advisory Service

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) funding and (b) non-financial resources his Department plans to provide for the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the next 12 months.

Answer: The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has proved to be highly effective in assisting SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness in an ever increasingly challenging environment. We have made a commitment to continue the provision of MAS following the disbanding of RDAs. We are currently in contact with stakeholders and practitioners as to how the service can best be focused and delivered up to and beyond April 2012. However, no conclusion has been reached yet on what resources and finance will be needed over the next 12 months.

Secondary information