§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the increase of manufacturing output and of productivity in Northern Ireland for each of the years 1977 to 1980 inclusive; and how these compare with the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe percentage change from the previous year in manufacturing output for Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom as a whole for each of the years 1977–1980 was as follows:
Northern Ireland United Kingdom 1977 -1.0 + 1.5 1978 0.0 + 1.0 1979 -1.0 +0.5 1980 -7.0 -9.5 Notes:
(i) The above figures are derived from the indices of manufacturing production.
(ii) Figures are rounded to the nearest 0.5 per cent.
Changes in productivity for these years were set out by the then Under-Secretary of State in a reply given to the hon. Member for Belast, East (Mr. Robinson) on 18 December.