To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the Government's policy on increases in productivity in manufacturing industry, and what advice is given to employers seeking to achieve such increases.

The most important spur to the significant productivity growth by British manufacturing since 1980 has come from the competitive pressures of more open markets. Government policies to promote this objective have included privatisation, deregulation, elimination of restrictive practices and international negotiations to reduce trade barriers through the GATT and in the European Community. In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry's enterprise initiative enables businesses to receive various forms of help which develop management skills and promote best practice and so further improve productivity.