To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will visit Rochdale borough to meet representatives of industry to discuss matters relating to his Department's activities in industrial development.

I have no present plans to do so, although my officials remain ready to discuss my Department's activities and services with Rochdale borough and other local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for boosting manufacturing output in the Rochdale borough.

My Department has a wide range of schemes to help improve manufacturing output and encourage innovation. Firms in Rochdale wishing to take advantage of these schemes should contact DTI's north-west regional office in Manchester.