HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 c568W
152. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the profitability of manufacturing industry in 1989 and at the beginning of the decade.

154. Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the profitability of non-North sea industrial and commercial companies in 1989 and at the beginning of the decade.

158. Mr. Wilshire

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the relative profitability of manufacturing industry in 1989 and at the beginning of the decade.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The net real rate of return on capital employed by non-North sea industrial and commercial companies is estimated to have been 8.3 per cent. in 1989, compared with 3.9 per cent. in 1980. For manufacturing companies the net real rate of return on capital employed is estimated to have been 7.4 per cent. in 1989, compared with 3.1 per cent. in 1980. Full details may be found in Business Bulletin issue 79/90, published on Thursday 25 October 1990, a copy of which is available in the Library.