§ Q9. Mr. Ian Lloyd asked the Prime Minister whether he will refer to all Departments of State directly involved in the implementation of the Government's new economic measures the report of the Productivity Bargaining Team, comprising members of the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industries, on its visit to the United States of America under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, Langstone.
1896§ The Prime MinisterI have seen the interesting article in British Industry and am sure that it will also have been widely read in Government Departments. I understand, however, that the full report has not yet been produced.
§ Mr. LloydWould the Prime Minister take this opportunity of emphasising that where increases in income are directly and demonstrably related to increases in productivity, it is in the national interest that both should take place?
§ The Prime MinisterYes. We have always stressed the importance of pay and productivity agreements where one can be really satisfied that it is not just an aspiration about productivity but where there are clear guarantees that the additional income will be earned out of changes in productivity, particularly changes in manning.
§ Mr. HeathCan the Prime Minister say whether, when the conference on productivity meets in September, it will have before it the revised National Plan announced by the First Secretary last night?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Productivity Council, when it meets in September, will have all relevant information before it, including the information we tried to give the House yesterday about the relevance of the immediate steps to ensure continued growth in this country.