HC Deb 15 February 1989 vol 147 cc244-5W
56. Mr. Galloway

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have shown a greater increase in manufacturing output since 1979 than the United Kingdom.

Mr. Atkins

Between 1979 and 1987 (latest available), the following OECD countries are recorded as showing a greater increase in manufacturing output than the United KingdomCanada, USA, Japan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Yugoslavia.

62. Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest figures he has for the levels of output of the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Atkins

Manufacturing output in the fourth quarter of 1988 was at a level of 117.0, based on 1985 equal to 100. This was the highest ever quarterly level, over 10½ per cent. above its 1979 average level and nearly 6 per cent. above the previous all-time peak of 1973.