MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE

Early day motion 532, tabled 15 March 2000 by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour). Signed by 89 members.

That this House congratulates the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for its recent Manufacturing Excellence: Competitiveness in Manufacturing debate, which found that the way for the UK engineering firms to compete with their international counterparts is to share knowledge and best practice within the sector;recognises the significant contribution made by mechanical engineers to the quality of people's lives and to the economy; looks forward to seeing the best in innovative ideas from UK manufacturers recognised in the Institution's MX2000 Awards; and welcomes the publication of the Government's policy document, Manufacturing in the Knowledge Driven Economy, which recognises the vital role which manufacturing plays in the economic well being of UK plc.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 8, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Independent Labour 1, UUP 1.