§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were employed in manufacturing industry in the north-west in each of the years from 1997 to date. [160082]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonEstimates of employee jobs in manufacturing are based on the results of employer surveys. Figures for the years the hon. Gentleman has requested are:
Year 1997 534,000 1998 532,000 1999 520,000 2000 505,000