HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 c112W
94. Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will indicate the trends and conclusions which have emerged from his inquiries into the intentions of industrialists over investment.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As announced in the Board of Trade Journal for 7th July, forecasts of fixed capital expenditure during 1956 show that industrialists expect to invest 20 per cent. more than in 1955. Preliminary estimates of capital expenditure during 1957 are now being received, but sufficient information is not yet available to enable me to make an estimate of what industrialists expect to invest next year. I will publish this estimate as soon as I can.