HC Deb 22 June 1994 vol 245 cc223-4W
25. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of jobs in manufacturing(a) in June 1979 and (b) at the latest available date.

Mr. McLoughlin

Manufacturing employment has been on a downward trend in the developed world for many years. The number of employees in employment in United Kingdom manufacturing industry was 7.3 million in June 1979 and 4.3 million in March 1994. The fall in manufacturing employment since 1979 reflects structural changes and sharply increased productivity.

27. Mr. Chisholm

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to boost manufacturing investment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

Since 1979, investment in plant and machinery has risen by over 50 per cent. Further investment will be encouraged by the profitable and competitive manufacturing base which our policies are designed to maintain.

32. Mr. Macdonald

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the percentage change in manufacturing output since 1979 and the figures for Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

Mr. Eggar

Since 1979, manufacturing output increased by 5 per cent. in the United Kingdom; 14 per cent. in West Germany; 43 per cent. in Japan; and 38 per cent. in the United States of America. However the comparison is affected by the timing of the economic cycle. Between 1981 and 1992—similar points in the economic cycle—United Kingdom manufacturing output grew by over a fifth.