§ 54. Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has regarding the investment intentions in the current year of manufacturing industry; and what was the comparable figure in 1987.
§ Mr. MaudeThe latest investment intentions survey carried out by my Department indicates that in 1988 investment in manufacturing industry, including leased assets, will amount to about £8.7 billion at 1980 prices. Investment in 1987 was £7.4 billion at 1980 prices.
§ 58. Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the current level of manufacturing investment; and what was the level in 1979.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe latest year for which investment statistics are available is 1987 when investment in manufacturing industry, including leased assets, was £7.4 billion at 1980 prices. The corresponding investment in 1979 and 1983 was £8.2 billion and £5.6 billion, respectively, at 1980 prices.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take steps to increase investment in manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. AtkinsInvestment decisions are for firms themselves to make. But the excellent prospects for growth in manufacturing investment reflect the success of policies designed to provide a climate in which industry can perform effectively, which we shall continue to pursue. This success is demonstrated by the strong growth in manufacturing investment since early last year, as well as by the results of my Department's latest survey of investment intentions.