§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the present and projected levels of investment in manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsInvestment in manufacturing industry, including leased assets, in the first three quarters of 1988 is provisionally estimated to have been £8,232 million in 1985 prices and seasonally adjusted. In his Autumn Statement, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer forecast that the volume of manufacturing investment in 1988 would be 18 per cent. higher than in 1987 and would rise by a further 10 per cent. in 1989.