H.—44.

APPENDIX. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. Note.—ln every case the factory-production statistics of each industry detailed hereunder relate to the factory years 1934-35, 1935-36, 1936-37, and 1937-38 (the latest year for which statistics are available). The comments appearing below the statistics relate, however, to the twelve months ending 31st March, 1939, the period covered by this report. 1. Fruit-preserving and Jam-making. Official statistics— 1934-35. "21935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. Establishments (number) .. 12 17 16 17 Employees (number) .. .. 371 425 427 449 Salaries and wages paid .. £48,994 £56,328 £64,123 £78,798 Value of output .. .. £302,142 £361,151 £387,494 £464,520 Value added by manufacture .. £122,795 £148,250 £159,820 £173,645 A fairly satisfactory year was experienced in the South, although sales were on a lower level than during 1937-38. The fall has been most marked in domestic sales, and stocks of certain lines held were unusually high. The Import Regulations have brought a great measure of relief to the industry from foreign competition. The stone-fruit crop was extremely abundant and all the available supply could not be handled. Female labour was very scarce, overtime being worked. In the North the year's business was steadily favourable, although there was a shortage of supplies in a few instances. Competition remains keen, but staffs have increased slightly. Present demand and prospects are good. 2. Boot and Shoe Making. Official statistics— 1934-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. Establishments (number) .. 76 75 71 • 70 Employees (number) .. .. 2,541 2,788 3,108 3,081 Salaries and wages paid .. £344,504 £360,684 £438,084 £451,246 Value of output .. .. £1,102,950 £1,140,646 £1,384,186 £1,386,914 Value added by manufacture .. £540,663 £534,340 £648,442 £673,205 Imports, calendar year : Boots, shoes, and slippers — Dozen pairs .. .. .. 211,165 219,650 267,035 229,455 Value £472,056 £508,778 £708,024 £578,024 The early portion of the year was unsatisfactory, but conditions began to improve with the granting of added protection by means of tariff increases, although the stock position in some cases delayed the benefits to the industry. A decided stimulus has been received from the Import Regulations, and factories are now working to capacity. The shortage of labour has hampered plans for expansion, and in many quarters manufacturers are behind with their deliveries. Manufacturers are extremely pleased with future prospects. 3. Lime and Cement. Official statistics — 1934-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. Establishments (number) .. 50 57 60 64 Employees (number) .. 704 759 953 1,050 Salaries and wages paid .. £144,617 £165,592 £212,657 £266,756 Value of output .. «. £582,784 £703,724 £836,048 £945,474 Value added by manufacture £459,483 £549,831 £670,057 £715,409 Imports, calendar year — Cement, building (cwt.) .. 9,275 17,920 24,085 26,950 Value .. •• £5,161 £10,312 £13,700 £15,361 Details concerning the above industry are dealt with in other sections of this report. Conditions have been satisfactory and output has shown a further increase. 4. Engineering. Official statistics — 1934-35. 1935-36. 1936-37. 1937-38. Establishments (number) .. 196 204 206 206 Employees (number) .. 2,772 3,326 3,727 3,898 Salaries and wages paid .. £502,118 £602,668 £774,907 £874,911 Value of output' .. .. £1,413,701 £1,784,274 £2,095,990 £2,445,495 Value added by manufacture £855,960 £1,055,050 £1,253,502 £1,398,171 Engineering trades have again experienced a busy year. Tool and die makers report falling turnovers in the early part of the year, but the position improved in the latter half. Many new lines are being attempted, and output is expanding in many directions. Labour is at a premium and much overtime has been worked.

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