HC Deb 24 January 1983 vol 35 cc652-3
12. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Minister for Trade what is the percentage change in the seasonally adjusted volume of manufactured imports and of manufactured exports since May 1979 to the latest available date.

Mr. Peter Rees

Between May 1979 and November 1982, imports of manufactures rose by 2 per cent. and exports fell by 10 per cent.

Mr. Evans

Since joining the Common Market we have lost 2 million manufacturing jobs, and the position has deteriorated particularly since 1979. What is the Department doing to make contact with the Department of Industry and the Treasury to try to revive our manufacturing sector?

Mr. Rees

The hon. Gentleman overlooks, for example, the fact that our unit labour costs are rising by only about 5½ per cent., which is far below that of our major competitors. Productivity is up by 13 or 14 per cent. since 1980 and, again, is rising faster than that of our continental competitors. I am confident of British industry's ability to acquit itself well.

Mr. Bill Walker

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that one of the sadnesses is that our traditional industries have declined? I exclude from that statement the Scotch whisky industry, which has had a remarkable export record. If all the other traditional industries had adapted to meet the changing demands of consumers abroad, they could probably have had a similar record.

Mr. Rees

I am happy to pay tribute to the remarkable export record of the Scotch whisky industry.

Mr. Archer

In view of those devastating figures, do the Government now acknowledge any responsibility for the fact that last year showed a total of more than 12,000 company liquidations—the worst year ever recorded? Is this the Government who fought the last election on the promise to care for small businesses? How does it accord wth the promise of the Prime Minister at Darlington during the last election campaign, when she said that the Labour party are the party of unemployment. We are the party of opportunity"?

Mr. Rees

The right hon. and learned Gentleman should cast his mind back and note that every Finance Bill introduced by this Government has done something for small businesses and the formation of new enterprises.