HC Deb 25 October 1982 vol 29 cc282-4W
4. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how the output of United Kingdom manufacturing industry compares with that in May 1979; and what steps he is taking to increase manufacturing output.

Mr. Norman Lamont:

In the three months June to August 1982 the index of production for manufacturing industry was 88.2—1975 = 100—compared with 105 in the first half of 1979. In 1982–83 the Department of Industry will be spending nearly £2 billion in direct assistance to industry in order to encourage research and development, investment and increased productivity and output.

9. Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he last met representatives of the Confederation of British Industry to discuss prospects for investment in manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement.

24. Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he last discussed the prospects for British manufacturing industry with representatives of the Confederation of British Industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin:

I meet CBI representatives frequently—most recently at the NEDC on 4 October. The recession has clearly affected investment this year, but falling inflation and interest rates should improve the prospects for next year.

11. Mr. Stott

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the levels of output and investment in manufacturing industry compared with those existing in May 1979; and if he will make a statement.

28. Dr. John Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the current levels of output and investment in manufacturing industry compared with those existing in May 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont:

In the three months June to August 1982 the index of production for manufacturing industry was 88.2 compared with 105 in the first half of 1979. In the second quarter of 1982 capital expenditure by manufacturing industry at 1975 prices was£831 million compared with£1,114 million in the second quarter of 1979.

18. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the latest figures for the output of British manufacturing industry.

Mr. Kenneth Baker:

The index of manufacturing production for August is provisionally estimated to have been 88.6—1975 = 100.

22. Mr. Knox

asked 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. Kenneth Baker:

The index of manufacturing production in the three months ended August is provisionally estimated to have been 88.2—1975 = 100—compared with 105.7 for the corresponding period in 1979.

30. Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for Industry by what percentage manufacturing output in the United Kingdom, for the latest quarter, has fallen since May 1979; and what are the corresponding figures for France, Germany, Japan, and the United States of America.

Mr. Norman Lamont:

Between the first half of 1979 and the second quarter of this year, manufacturing output in the United Kingdom fell by 16 per cent. Between the same two periods. the level of manufacturing output in France did not change. In West Germany and the United States of America production fell by 2 per cent. and 10 per cent., respectively, and in Japan production increased by 13 per cent.

Back to