§ 19. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current level of economic activity in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartScotland is continuing to share in the growth of the United Kingdom economy. The latest output statistics show that industrial production and construction was 4.5 per cent. higher in the first half of 1985 than a year earlier, and manufacturing output alone was 6 per cent. higher. Although there were signs of slower manufacturing growth in the second half of last year, the latest CBI and Scottish business surveys reported that manufacturers were expecting rising orders and output in the period ahead.