asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to reflate the economy through directed investment into manufacturing industry and construction; and whether he will establish a national investment board for this and related purposes.

No. There have been encouraging increases both in manufacturing investment and in construction activity this year, and the latest surveys show this trend continuing into 1979. We already have adequate powers to promote investment on a selective basis through direct Government assistance, the NEB and the development agencies.