To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received concerning competitiveness from representatives of the manufacturing sector. [116516]

I and my colleagues frequently receive representations from industry on a range of issues, including competitiveness. We value and encourage such exchanges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Indus try if she will make a statement on the change in the number of manufacturing jobs since 1997 in Shrewsbury and Atcham. [116517]

Since December 1998, the earliest base year available, it is estimated that manufacturing jobs in Shrewsbury have fallen by around 550, a decrease of 12 per cent. In the same period, overall employment in Shrewsbury increases by 8.7 per cent.