HC Deb 27 November 1985 vol 87 cc583-4W
13. Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Government policy on manufacturing industry in the light of the findings of the House of Lords Select Committee on Overseas Trade.

Mr. Channon

The Government's policy is to create a climate in which the wealth-creating sector of the economy, including manufacturing industry, can flourish.

21. Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the level of investment in manufacturing industry has varied since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pattie

In 1984, capital investment in manufacturing was nearly £6.4 billion at 1980 prices; 16 per cent. above the trough in the last investment cycle downswing which started in 1980. The latest available estimates for all the years since 1979 will be published in theOfficial Report.

Capital Investment in United Kingdom Manufacturing Industry*
£ million at 1980 prices
Year
1979 8,230
1980 7,314
1981 5,698
1982 5,516
1983 5,557
1984 6,372
* Divisions 2–4 of the Standard Industrial Classification (Revised 1980), including assets leased to manufacturers from the financial industries.

32. Mr. Nicholls

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the figures for manufacturing output and investment in 1984; and how this compares with the year before.

Mr. Pattie

In 1984 the index of manufacturing output rose by nearly 4 per cent. to 100.6 (1980=100)—the largest percentage increase in any year since 1973—and manufacturing investment (including assets leased from financial institutions) increased by nearly 15 per cent. to £6.4 billion (in 1980 prices).

36. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and how this compares with the figure for the same month six years ago.

Mr. Pattie

For the third quarter of 1985 the index of production for manufacturing industry is 103, based on 1980 equal to 100. This is 5 per cent. lower than the corresponding index for the third quarter of 1979.

54. Mr. Nicholas Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about unfair competition to British manufacturing companies from companies receiving special assistance.

Mr. Pattie

The information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.