§ Mr. HardyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume of steel production in the first quarter of 1991, 1992 and 1993; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe information is as follows:
- 1991 Q1 4.1 million tones
- 1992 Q1 4.2 million tonnes
- 1993 Q1 4.2 million toness (provisional)
Source: British Iron and Steel Producers' Association.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made as to the reliability of the volume of steel production as an indicator of economic vitality.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe output of one industry cannot by itself be an adequate indicator of the state of the whole economy.