HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 cc236-7W
22. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the latest available statistics for United Kingdom manufacturing output; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The index of production for the three months to October 1984 is some 2.5 per cent. higher than it was a year ago, and 7.5 per cent. higher than at its last trough in the first quarter of 1981. These figures indicate that manufacturing industry's output is continuing its encouraging recovery.

66. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and 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. Norman Lamont

For the three months to October 1984 the index of production for manufacturing industry is 99, based on 1980 equal to 100. This is 7 per cent. lower than the index of production for manufacturing industry in the three months to October 1979.