§ 54. Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to encourage British manufacturing industry to take a larger share of the home market.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe best way for British manufacturing industry to achieve this is by improving its competitiveness. My Department's work is directed towards this aim through the promotion of a climate conducive to business and enterprise and the encouragement of increased efficiency, adaptability and innovation.
65. Mr. Knox askedthe Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and how this compares with the figure for the same month five years ago.
§ Mr. Norman LamontFor the three months to December 1984 the index of production for manufacturing is 101, based on 1980 equal to 100. This is 8 per cent. lower than the index of production for manufacturing industry in the three months to December 1979.