Exports fell more during the recession than in any other downturn despite the weakened currency, it has emerged. Analysis by the Conservative party found that even manufacturing exports fell – despite the fact they have risen in previous recessions.

Ken Clarke, the shadow secretary for business, accused the government of "neglecting" Britain's manufacturing industry and allowing it to fall into a downward spiral. "For 12 years Labour has completely neglected manufacturing and has been indifferent to its decline. We keep discovering the cost to the British economy of this neglect," he said.

"We cannot have a healthy balanced economy unless we make good modern products."

Figures show that between the second quarter of 2008 and third quarter of 2009 manufacturing exports dropped by 10%. In the early 1990s recession they increased by 6%.

Clarke said the Conservative party had asked inventor James Dyson to look at how to boost hi-tech exports.

The government says that its actions have helped pull Britain out of recession. Last week figures showed that unemployment fell for the first time in nearly two years while in the 1980s recession it kept rising for five years.