§ 32. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the figure for output in manufacturing industry in the most recent quarter for which figures are available.
§ Mr. ButcherIn the fourth quarter of 1983 the index of production for the manufacturing industries was 96— 1980 = 100. In the three months to January 1984 manufacturing output was 1.5 per cent. higher than in the previous three months and about 5 per cent. above its first quarter 1981 level. The United Kingdom's economic growth in 1983 was among the fastest in the European Community and we expect to maintain that position this year.