HC Deb 27 July 1983 vol 46 c486W
40. Mr. Bruce

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with present levels of industrial investment.

Mr. Parkinson

No, but the fall in investment over the past few years reflects the severe effects of the world recession and of very low real rates of return. By bringing down inflation and reducing industry's costs the Government are now providing the private sector with the prospect of higher real rates of return. I would expect investment to increase as the recovery gathers strength.