§ Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his latest available figure for the percentage fall in the real value of manufacturing investment in the North since 1979.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWhen the world recession hit a sector suffering from poor competitiveness—the result of years of high inflation, low productivity growth and poor rates of return on investment—a sharp fall in manufacturing investment in the regions occurred up to 1983. In real terms, manufacturing investment in the North between 1979 and 1984 fell by 42 per cent. Industry is now more competitive and better adapted to the demands of a modern economy — manufacturing investment in the North over the most recent year for which there is data, 1983–84, grew by 28 per cent. in real terms.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest available figure for the percentage fall in the real value of manufacturing investment in Wales since 1979.
202WLDDC is responsible for determining the conditions of any sale for the Canary Wharf site, and these will be reflected in the price.
Details of all disposals at less than best price of all publicly-owned land for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility could be provided only at disproportionate costs. However, I am not aware, in the case of the LDDC, of any disposals at less than best price.