HC Deb 30 April 1970 vol 800 cc1444-5
37. Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what were the percentage increases in the Index of Retail Prices for nationalised industries, food, housing, fuel and light, durable household goods, clothing and footwear, transport and vehicles, miscellaneous goods, services, and for all items in the Index since October, 1964, since July, 1966, and since November, 1967, respectively, to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Dell

As the reply contains a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Speed

In the light of those figures, can the Minister say what the pound in his pocket in November, 1967, is now worth?

Mr. Dell

Not without notice. I can, however, tell the hon. Gentleman that, as a result of the economic policies of this Government, we are now in the strongest economic position that this country has ever known.

Mr. Heffer

Has my right hon. Friend had drawn to his attention the report in this quarter's publication by Hill, Samuel, the banking people, which clearly indicates that the productivity of those in the nationalised industries is much higher than in any of the private industries?

Mr. Dell

That publication has been drawn to my attention. It gives encouraging backing to the Government's policies in the sphere of public ownership.

Following is the information:
13.10.64 to 17.3.70 19.7.66 to 17.3.70 14.11.67 to 17.3.70
Nationalised industries 31.9 19.7 11.9
Food 27.4 18.4 16.4
Housing 31.5 17.2 10.6
Fuel and light 32.7 21.6 12.0
Durable householdgoods 19.2 14.5 12.3
Clothing and footwear 15.4 10.4 8.7
Transport and vehicles 24.5 16.1 11.9
Miscellaneous goods 30.8 22.4 19.8
Services 38.4 24.1 16.9
All items 27.0 17.5 13–8

Notes:

1. The items included under the heading " nationalised industries " are:—

2. These items are also included in other groups as follows:—