The CBI too expect investment to grow - by almost 9 per cent in 1996. Whole economy investment has grown faster in the UK than in any other major European country since 1979. Business investment has risen by a third, and investment in plant and machinery by a half, since 1979. This compares well with our competitors. However, quantity is not all.
British firms are better at getting more out of their investments.
British investment is high quality investment - since 1979 we are the only industrialised country whose business sector capital productivity has increased. Quality investment breeds the greatest business success. Eleven of Europe's top 25 quoted companies by market capitalisation, and 16 of the top 25 by profitability are British. We must also invest in people. This Government has done that.