HC Deb 27 July 1993 vol 229 cc803-4W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on manufacturing employment in the west midlands.

Miss Widdecombe

In March 1993, there were 547,000 employees in manufacturing industries in the west midlands.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of manufacturing employment has been lost since January 1990.

Miss Widdecombe

Between January 1990 and May 1993, the number of employees in manufacturing in Great Britain fell by 18 per cent. However, the fall in manufacturing employment is not new; its peak was as far back as 1966. In addition since March 1983, reductions in manufacturing employment have been more than offset by increases in other parts of the economy.