§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to encourage investment in industry and the 105W distribution trades; and how the present level of investment compares with the position a year and two years ago.
§ Mr. VarleyCurrent indications for manufacturing investment are favourable, but the Government are keeping a close watch on the situation. The volume of investment by manufacturing industry was 2 per cent. higher in the second quarter of 1969 than in the second quarter of 1967 and 11 per cent. higher than in the second quarter of 1968. The corresponding figures for the distribution industries are 2 per cent. and 1 per cent.