HC Deb 29 February 1984 vol 55 cc179-80W
49. Dr. Twinn

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what percentage unit costs in manufacturing rose in 1983 as compared to earlier years.

Mr. Butcher

Available information is shown in the following table:

Costs in Manufacturing Industry (*Revised Definition)
Percentage rise in average annual cost on previous year
Wages and Salaries per unit of output Price Index of Raw Materials and Fuel Purchased
1981 9.8 5.2
1982 5.2 7.3
1983 2.8 7.0
* Divisions 2 to 4 of the Standard Industrial Classification (Revised 1980).