HC Deb 18 April 1990 vol 170 c959W
40. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect he expects falling consumer demand to have on British industry.

Mr. Redwood

Prospects for the economy to mid-1991, including manufacturing production, are contained in the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1990–91 laid before the House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 20 March 1990. Chart 3.8 of that statement forecasts continuing growth in consumer expenditure in 1990 and the first half of 1991, but at a slower rate than in 1988 and 1989. The forecasts suggest maintained levels of manufacturing production in 1990 and modest growth of 0.75 per cent. in the first half of 1991.