HC Deb 10 February 1988 vol 127 cc344-5
9. Mr. Moss

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the level of output in the paper industry in 1987 and, in 1986.

Mr. Atkins

The index of production for the paper industry was 102.6 in 1986, and 109.1 for the first three quarters of 1987, based on 1980 equals 100.

Mr. Moss

Does my hon. Friend agree that that represents excellent news for British industry, and in particular for the paper industry in which employment has gone up by some 11,000 in the past 18 months? Does he also agree that the prospects for the paper industry are excellent, bearing in mind the unified market in 1992?

Mr. Atkins

My hon. Friend gives the lie to the remarks made by the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould) earlier by confirming yet again that in the paper industry, as in many others, we have a great success to show to the world.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

Does the Minister accept that the strong performance of the paper industry is most welcome, but will he acknowledge that there is concern within the industry about the implication of energy charges in the context of the privatisation of electricity? Will he persuade the Secretary of State for Energy to recognise the importance of keeping energy charges down to ensure that that industry will recover? Will he also make representations to ensure that when electricity is privatised, firms such as Thomas Tait in my constituency, which has made great investments to produce the right quality of paper, have the opportunity to tender for the substantial contracts?

Mr. Atkins

As the hon. Gentleman well knows, the matter of energy cost is a matter for the Secretary of State for Energy. He must pursue that with him.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

May I advise my hon. Friend, that leading members of the paper and board industry—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is Question Time.

Mr. Winterton

Is my hon. Friend aware that leading members of the paper and board industry are strongly opposed to the proposed removal of the Patents Office from London to south Wales, not least because that will create huge additional costs for the smaller sector of the industry and clearly could adversely affect the bid of this country to get the Trade Mark Office located in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am interested in this matter, but I find it difficult to relate it to the paper industry.

Mr. Winterton

I related my question directly to the paper industry. I have received direct representations from the paper industry, which is concerned about the proposed transfer of the Patents Office to South Wales.

Mr. Speaker

Good enough.

Mr. Atkins

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy will no doubt have heard my hon. Friend's question.