HC Deb 21 November 1984 vol 68 cc167-8W
38. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the effects on United Kingdom imports and exports of the mining dispute at the latest date.

Mr. Channon

It is difficult to make precise estimates but in the first nine months of this year net imports of coal and oil are thought to have been increased by £1½ billion as a result of the dispute. The bulk of the deterioration will be of a strictly temporary nature.

39. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the effect has been on manufacturing industry of the coal strike; and, in particular, what has been the effect on productivity and output.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The strike continues to have minimal effect on the output or productivity of the vast majority of United Kingdom manufacturing industry.