GOVERNMENT MUST ACT NOW TO SAVE MANUFACTURING - COTTER

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 6th May 2003

Brian Cotter MP

Responding to recent CBI figures predicting that 86,000 jobs will go in the manufacturing industry in the first half of this year, Brian Cotter MP, the Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Small Business commented,

"The Government must take urgent action to address the problems facing the manufacturing industry. Time and time again reports are showing job losses and a decline in output and sales, and yet the Government continues to respond with empty promises."

"Manufacturing is one of the industries worst affected by hiked insurance costs. Last November the Government promised to take urgent action on the issue, and yet we are still waiting for a response.

"Unless the Government creates an environment in which small businesses can afford to do business, we will continue to see a decline in vital industries, such as manufacturing."

ENDS