HC Deb 09 March 1977 vol 927 cc578-9W
Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Industry why in the form "Miscellaneous Metal Goods—Quarterly Inquiry into Manufacturers' Sales" PQ 399.12 returns are requested covering rubber, plastic products and lighter fuel.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The quarterly inquiry in question is one of a comprehensive series of inquiries. All questionnaires list, not only the principal products of a particular industry, but provide also for the declaration of sales of significant "secondary" products made within the industry which are principal products of other industries. Thus, the completion by firms in any industry of only one questionnaire provides information which makes it possible to calculate the total sales not only of the products of that industry but also of the principal products of other industries. Although rubber products, plastic products and lighter fuel are not the principal products of PQ 399.12, the contribution to the total sales of these products, as included in other Business Monitors, by firms classified to the Miscellaneous Metal Goods industry, is substantial.

Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the present circulation of 1,147 of the form "Miscellaneous Goods—Quarterly Inquiry into Manufacturers' Sales", PQ 399.12, covers all appropriate manufacturers in the country; and if he will give an estimate of the percentage covered.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The despatch of 1,147 copies of the quarter inquiry form PQ 399.12 covers all known establishments in the United Kingdom classified to this industry and employing 25 or more persons. Detailed information about the very small firms in the industry is not collected, but it is estimated that this inquiry covers some 74 per cent. in terms of employment, of all firms classified to the industry.

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