HC Deb 20 January 1969 vol 776 c6
4. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a statement on progress with national productivity.

Mrs. Castle

The latest complete figures which cover the whole economy are for the year ending March 1968 when Gross Domestic Product per person employed increased by 5.1 per cent. This large rise was partly due to cyclical factors. Over the same period output per person employed in industries covered by the Index of Production rose by 6.2 per cent.; between the first and third quarters of 1968, there was a further increase of 2.4 per cent. The productivity criterion in the Government's policy for productivity, prices and incomes is helping to create the climate in which this sort of growth can continue.

Mr. Marten

On the question of productivity criteria, can the right hon. Lady say why there is no information—according to a previous Answer I have had—from her Department about the way these productivity agreements are being honoured when they are made in connection with pay rises?

Mr. Castle

Of course, we keep in touch with developments through our regional offices and other means. If there is any case where we have reason to believe that the productivity criteria are not being observed, we make full inquiries.