§ 15. Mr. D. Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in HANSARD statistics in regard to variations in output per man-hour of different portions of the working population over the past twelve months.
§ Mr. BirchNo, Sir. There are no official statistics from which variations in output per man-hour over the past twelve months can be calculated.
§ Mr. HowellIn that event, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain to the House how the hon. Lady the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance said a few weeks ago in Birmingham that 50 per cent. of the working class of the country were not pulling their weight? If, as is obvious, there were no statistics on which that statement can be made, should not stupid statements and generalisations of this sort by members of the Government cease?
§ Mr. BirchThat has absolutely nothing whatever to do with the Question. I really do not think that it is very helpful of the hon. Member.