THE Conservative Party greeted Labour's Pre-Budget Statement with lukewarm reaction and questioned the Government's ability to deliver on its promises.

Shadow Chancellor Michael Howard welcomed an announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown that he would boost NHS spending.

But Howard remained sceptical about the Government's ability to deliver on its promises. He said: 'Every year he makes promises and every year he breaks them.'

He also said that the Government would have to stop spending money so quickly or it would need to increase taxes.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said that volume related tax credits for research and development would encourage companies to invest the UK automotive industry.

A spokesman said: 'Manufacturers are keen to contribute to environmental consultations announced on vehicles, fuels and green technologies, which provide real incentives for innovation.'