§ 24. Mr. Maplesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest evidence of the cost competitiveness of British manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. LawsonProvisional figures suggest that between the first half of 1981 and the second half of 1983, the cost competitiveness of British manufacturing industry, as measured by the IMF's index of relative actual unit labour costs, improved by 19 per cent.
§ 36. Mr. Fisherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the change in the tax burden on manufacturing industry as a result of the alterations in corporate taxation in the Finance (No. 2) Bill.
§ Mr. MooreThe effect of the proposed changes on corporation tax liabilities will depend on future levels of profits and investment. I am confident that the Budget measures create an exciting prospect for businesses in all sectors including manufacturing.