§ 26. Mr. Knoxasked 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. HowardThe index of production for manufacturing industry in the three months up to October 1985 stood at 103, compared to a base of 100 in 1980. This is 3 per cent. lower than for the corresponding period in 1979.
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§ 39. Mr. Sean Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the level of investment in manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. HowardIn 1984, which is the latest year for which complete outturn figures are available, total 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. It is expected that the outturn for 1985 will be nearly £6.8 billion at 1980 prices, about 6 per cent. above the level in 1984.