§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of total United Kingdom manufacturing industrial output is represented by (a) automobiles and (b) electronics in 1979 and each of the subsequent years for which statistics are available.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to his reply, 18 November 1985, c. 21]: In 1980, the latest year for which firm figures are available, automobile output (cars, commercial vehicles and components) accounted for 5½ per cent. of all manufacturing activity while, on a broad definition, 'electronics' accounted for 6 per cent. Estimates suggest
132Ware likely to start in the next few weeks and we are in close touch with interested parties in the United Kingdom in preparation for these.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement regarding progress on renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mr. ChannonDiscussions in the European Community on a negotiating position for both the multilateral and bilateral negotiations are likely to start in the next few weeks and we are in close touch with interested parties in the United Kingdom in preparation for these.