§ 28. Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what percentage of British manufacturing industry's loss of competitiveness he attributes to increases in real wages.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerWhat matters for United Kingdom cost competitivenes is how our nominal wage increases compare with those of other countries along with, of course, relative movements of productivity and changes in the effective exchange rate.
§ 32. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and how this compares with the figure for the same month in 1979.
§ Mr. ButcherThe index of production for manufacturing in the third quarter of this year is provisionally estimated to be 88.8 (1975 = 100) compared with 104.3 for 1979 as a whole.
§ 33. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his assessment of the economic state of manufacturing industry in the regions; and if he proposes to take any initiative to assist industries in the regions.
§ Mr. Norman LamontMany regions and industries are still suffering from the after effects of the recession. Industry's particular need is for lower inflation and interest rates, and these are what our economic policies are achieving. In addition we have concentrated regional aid on the most affected parts of the regions and the recent ending of the deferment of payment of regional development grants will I know do much to assist manufacturing industry in these areas.