HC Deb 24 January 1985 vol 71 c500W
40. Mr. Nellist

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the level of investment and production in manufacturing industry.

Mr. Peter Rees

Investment by manufacturing industry was up nearly 15 per cent. in the first three quarters of 1984 compared with the same period of 1983. The December DTI investment intentions survey indicated that manufacturing investment should rise by a substantial 7 per cent. in 1985 compared with 1984. Growth in manufacturing output in the three months to November 1984 was up 3¼ per cent. on the same period in 1983. It is now 8½ per cent. above its 1981 trough.