MOTOR manufacturers and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders were due to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday for their 'once a month routine meeting'.

Three issues dominated the agenda: the strength of Sterling which manufacturers claim is being ignored as the Government focuses on low inflation; a call for the Government to reaffirm its commitment to manufacturing in the light of the Rover debacle and concern over the future of Ford's Dagenham plant; and Britain joining the Euro.