§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to raise the profitability of United Kingdom manufacturing. [21586]
§ Mr. NelsonThe Government are committed to helping British manufacturing compete, at home and in the world markets. The Government's role is to set a framework in which business can flourish, from low inflation and sound finances to supply-side reform. Latest figures available show profitability for United Kingdom manufacturing companies, net rate of return, was up from 4.5 per cent. in 1992 to 5.8 per cent. in 1993.