HC Deb 15 June 2000 vol 351 c694W
14. Gillian Merron

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the east midlands region. [124598]

Mr. Caborn

Some sectors of manufacturing in the east midlands have continued to suffer, particularly in clothing and textiles and more traditional engineering. Other sectors, including those in higher technology, are faring much better. Overall manufacturing confidence remains significantly higher than for the same period last year.