HC Deb 19 October 1981 vol 10 c17W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the reduction in employment in manufacturing industry in the principal industrial countries since (a) 1950, (b) 1960 and (c) 1970 in terms of numbers and as percentages.

Mr. Peter Morrison:

Following is the available information. Estimates of changes between 1950 and 1980 on a consistent basis are not readily available, and for two main countries only are they available between 1960 and 1980. Because of differences between countries in coverage and definitions the statistics are not fully comparable.