§ 2.57 p.m.
§ The Viscount of Oxfuird asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they will give figures for the output of the aerospace industry in the last five years.
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, based on 1985 being 100, the index of production for the aerospace industry was 90 in 1983 and in the following years 93, 100, 113 and 129 in 1987: a growth of around 10 per cent. per annum.
The Viscount of OxfuirdMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Is he aware that the productivity in the aerospace industry is an example to all British industry? The productivity per man in real terms has risen by 100 per cent. in the last decade. Surely there could be no better testimony to the Government's policy.
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, I am entirely in agreement with my noble friend and I thank him for bringing that information to the House's attention.
§ Lord Williams of ElvelMy Lords, can the noble Lord tell the House what proportion of output of the aerospace industry is attributable to British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce?
§ Lord StrathclydeNo, my Lords. I am afraid that I am unable to do that. If the noble Lord wants those figures, I should be delighted to write to him and put a copy in the Library.