HC Deb 19 July 1966 vol 732 cc373-4
01. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Prime Minister if he will consult with the United States Government with a view to organising Anglo-American productivity teams similar to those organised by the late Sir Stafford Cripps, to ascertain why the United States industrial worker's production two to three times greater than that of the British worker, to ascertain where the fault lies and to make recommendations to remedy this; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

Work of this kind is already in hand or in prospect, mainly through the Economic Development Committees. In these circumstances I do not think there would be any advantage in a new approach to the United States Government.

Sir C. Osborne

Since our economic troubles are mainly due to a small minority of employers who will not adopt the most modern methods of production, and the backwoodsmen of the trade union movement whose mule-like obstinacy will not allow them to be used, as in the case of the liner trains, what steps will the Prime Minister take to solve this problem?

The Prime Minister

I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman's assessment of the importance of productivity. The Anglo-American productivity teams after the war did a very good job. But the kind of problems which the hon. Gentleman describes could not be solved by setting up Anglo-American productivity teams.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

How can any free enterprise economy be made to work efficiently and production increased by all classes under a Government who do not believe in the profit motive?

The Prime Minister

That raises some very wide questions which might be more suitable for debate than trying to cross swords, or rapiers, with the hon. and gallant Gentleman across the Floor of the House.

Mr. Grimond

Would the Prime Minister agree that there is no great mystery about why productivity is higher in America? Incentives are greater and restrictive practices are fewer, and every worker has far more capital at his disposal. While the right hon. Gentleman is drawing up the measures for tomorrow, he might bear these points in mind and bring our economy more in line with the American economy in these respects.

The Prime Minister

I did not think that that was a question, but I will certainly take note of what the right hon. Gentleman said.