HC Deb 17 July 1996 vol 281 c569W
18. Mr. Sheerman

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many manufacturing businesses employing between 10 and 50 employees there are in the United Kingdom. [36085]

Mr. Page

There are 34,614 manufacturing businesses employing between 10 and 50 employees, according to figures from the interdepartmental businesses register.

29. Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what initiatives he is taking to encourage British firms to invest in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom. [36096]

Mr. Eggar

We are providing a stable economic environment with low inflation, low corporation tax rates and historically low interest rates. Profits are high and the Treasury's latest forecast is that business investment, which incorporates manufacturing investment, will rise by over 7 per cent. in both 1996 and 1997.

20. Sir David Knox

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next expects to meet the president of the Confederation of British Industry to discuss manufacturing industry. [36087]

Mr. Lang

DTI Ministers regularly meet the Confederation of British Industry to discuss a range of issues, including manufacturing industry.