Written question asked by Iain Luke (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2004. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2004 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, what steps her Department is taking to promote innovation in UK manufacturing. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Luke: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to promote innovation in UK manufacturing. [156270] Ms Hewitt: The recently published Innovation Report, "Competing in the Global Economy: The Innovation Challenge", sets out an action plan to drive up levels of innovation in UK-based businesses. We are also taking forward a range of actions, as part of the Government's Manufacturing Strategy, to promote innovation in manufacturing to help our companies compete effectively in the global marketplace on the basis of high-skills and high-value products. These actions include the highly successful Manufacturing Advisory Service we have established in every region; the extension of the R&D tax credit; and our work with the RDAs to help manufacturers exploit the UK's strong science, engineering and technology base. We will publish a progress report on the implementation of the Manufacturing Strategy in May 2004.

Secondary information