§ 17. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and what was the comparable figure for the same month seven years ago.
§ Mr. PattieThe hon. Member will appreciate that monthly data can be erratic. However, since the trough of the recession in 1981, manufacturing output has increased by over 13 per cent. to reach a level of 105.6 in September 1986, based on 1980 equal to 100. This was some ½ per cent. lower than the level of output in September 1979.
§ 28. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the current level of investment in manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. PattieInvestment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.
§ 40. Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he proposes to take to encourage regeneration of the manufacturing industry and an increase in output.
§ Mr. PattieWe shall continue to pursue policies which encourage sustained economic growth, falling inflation and competitive enterprise. And we shall continue to monitor and adjust where necessary the comprehensive range of support which my Department makes available to help industry develop its competitive strength.
§ 47. Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on investment in manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. PattieInvestment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But 177W the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.
§ 60. Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the most recent statistics for capital investment by manufacturing industry; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieInvestment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.
§ 61. Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the cumulative deterioration in the balance of trade in manufacturing since 1978.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIn the first 10 months of 1986 trade in manufactures was in deficit by £4.6 billion compared with a surplus of £5.1 billion in 1978 as a whole.