§ 22. Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is planning to help increase the capacity of Scottish manufacturing industry to expand exports to the European market; and if he will make a statement. [29393]
§ Mr. KynochScottish manufactured exports are breaking all records. This clearly indicates that the opportunities presented by a competitive currency, low interest rates and stable low inflation have been grasped by Scottish industry.
Over the last two years Scottish manufactured exports have risen by almost 30 per cent. to reach their highest-ever level of £11.5 billion. Exports to Western Europe account for some 65 per cent. of that figure. Later in the year, I hope to launch a Scottish export strategy which will help focus efforts to further increase Scotland's manufactured exports.