HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 c181W
78. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the estimated future opportunities for employment in the manufacturing sector of the economy.

Mr. Lang

Future levels of employment in manufacturing depend on the quality of the sector's response to market change.

80. Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Paymaster General if he will estimate the proportion of the working population currently employed in manufacturing industry and give the comparable figures for 1984 and 1985.

Mr. Lang

In March 1986 (the latest date for which an estimate is available) 20.6 per cent. of the working population in Great Britain were employed, as employees in employment or self-employed, in manufacturing industry. The comparable figures for March 1984 and March 1985 were 21.3 per cent. and 21 per cent., respectively.