The next Prime Minister has been called upon to give a ‘personal commitment’ to business support.
Manufacturers’ organisation, the EEF, said that a single government department was needed to drive the productivity agenda and promote economic support.
The organisation believes that proposals for the complete abolition of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in favour of splitting its functions into other departments is too simplistic an approach.
“The issue of how best government can support business and promote economic growth is far too important to be periodically kicked about from pillar to post,” said EEF director general, Martin Temple.
“Whilst the status quo is not sustainable, the increasing speculation is damaging both to business and to the DTI itself.”
“This year will see a major change in the UK’s political landscape. There is now a persuasive case to put in place a single government department within a modern Whitehall structure with the responsibility of promoting economic competitiveness.”
The EEF said that the four core functions of the DTI – trade promotion, fair markets, business support, and science and innovation – would be more effective if grouped together.
According to the organisation, the current system is not sustainable as there is often an ‘overlap’ with the DTI and the Treasury in promoting economic growth.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
