§ 14. Mr. GrocottTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of jobs in manufacturing industry in the west midlands (a) in 1979, (b) in 1985 and (c) in the latest year for which figures are available.
Mr. JacksonThe numbers of employees in employment in manufacturing industries in the west midlands in June 1979, 1985 and 1990 were 985,000, 693,000 and 650,000, respectively.
§ Mr. GrocottWill the Minister confirm that yet another example of the Government's appalling employment record is that in the west midlands—the heart of British manufacturing industry—there has been a fall in employment, skills and capacity of 36 per cent. since the Government took office? Are the Government the only organisation left who cannot understand that the loss of skill and capacity is the reason for such an appalling trade record?
Mr. JacksonI have already given the figures for our overall record. A total of 2 million more people are employed now than 10 years ago. I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the fundamental importance of manufacturing industry, but we all have to recognise that there is a worldwide trend towards reduced employment in manufacturing. It is happening in every country's economy due to capital intensity and new technologies. We have to take note of the increase in productivity in manufacturing. It has increased by 60 per cent. in Britain in the past 10 years—the fastest increase in any industrial country.
§ Mrs. CurrieDoes my hon. Friend agree that many of the manufacturing jobs have shifted from the west midlands to the east midlands because the east midlands has a superb work force, excellent industrial relations and welcomes inward investment? Does he agree that the arrival of Toyota in my constituency will have a tremendously beneficial effect on the area and is leading the revival of manufacturing industry in the country?
Mr. JacksonThe west midlands has done well, but so has the east midlands. Telford, in the constituency of the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Grocott), has become a major manufacturing centre and has experienced a great boom since 1979. There has been an increase of 14,000 jobs in Telford in the past 10 years, mostly in manufacturing. It also includes some 21 Japanese companies.