§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the share of manufacturing in gross domestic product in 1974, 1979, 1986, 1990 and at the latest available date; and what is his estimate of the level of the share needed to balance Britain's trade in manufactured goods;
(2) by how much output in the metal, metal product and mechanical engineering industries has changed since 1986; and what is his assessment of the extent to which this was affected by changes in the exchange rate.
§ Mr. NelsonI regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.