§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the performance of manufacturing industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartManufacturing output in Scotland was on a rising trend during 1983 and into early 1984, and by the first quarter of this year was some 3.5 to 4 per cent. above its level in the first quarter of 1983. This has been accompanied by a welcome advance in output per person employed of more than 7 per cent. The strong improvement in the productivity of the Scottish manufacturing sector since 1979 should strengthen output prospects over the longer term.