Written question asked by Lord Watts (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will take steps to ensure that the capacity of British manufacturers to supply combat clothing is maintained.

Answer: Mr. Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department will take steps to ensure that the capacity of British manufacturers to supply combat clothing is maintained. [192622] Jacqui Smith: The Department has worked extensively with the textiles and clothing industry to improve its productivity and competitiveness. This has included support for the Textiles and Clothing Industry Forum, a best practice programme that has focused on supply chain development. We continue to support Technitex, the technical textiles Faraday that promotes co-operation and collaboration between universities and industry on research and development. The Department also works closely with Skillfast-UK, the sector skills council for apparel, footwear, textiles and related businesses, on the skills agenda and has provided support for the provision of specific training programmes linked to business change that encourage innovation and modernisation. The maintenance of capacity to meet the demands of customers is of course a commercial matter for the industry.

Secondary information