HC Deb 15 May 1986 vol 97 c552W
25. Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated benefit to industry of the fall in fuel and raw material costs over the past year.

Mr. Ian Stewart

In the year to April 1986, the prices of materials and fuel purchased by manufacturing industry fell by 9 per cent. This has resulted in substantial cost savings, and profits of non-North sea industrial and commercial companies are expected to show a further rise in 1986.