Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 16 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the progress she is making on putting policies in place to narrow the productivity gap relative to other industrialised countries. (Printed on 04.11.2002 in Bound Volume 392 c152W)

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the progress she is making on putting policies in place to narrow the productivity gap relative to other industrialised countries. [75912] Ms Hewitt: Following the reviews of my Department's priorities and structure and business support, major changes in the Department took place in April this year geared to focusing policies more effectively on raising the UK's competitiveness and productivity, in particular by focussing on successful businesses, world class science and innovation, and fair markets, As part of the evidence base used to monitor progress I have also published on 15 October-the "Productivity and competitiveness indicators--update 2002". This publication benchmarks the UK's performance in each of the five drivers of productivity against that of our competitors.

Secondary information