§ Q8 and 09. Mr. Carterasked the Prime Minister (1) if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between Departments concerned with increasing productivity throughout the economy;
(2) to what extent the encouragement of productivity is the responsibility of the Department of Employment.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is close consultation between all Departments concerned with productivity questions. The Department of Employment has a particular responsibility for promoting the efficient use of manpower.
§ Mr. CarterWhile I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, may I ask him to explain in greater detail precisely why he is satisfied with his departmental efforts to increase national productivity, particularly bearing in mind that the previous Conservative Government in the four-year period 1961–64 achieved an increase in national productivity of only 8.4 per cent. compared with the Labour Government's achievement of an increase in the four-year period 1966–69 of 11.2 per cent.?
§ The Prime MinisterI am prepared to face up to any challenge of the hon. Gentleman about the record of Conservative as opposed to Labour Administrations. Productivity, however, cannot be a matter only for the Government. It is a matter largely for trade unions and management, and both have a major part to play.
§ Sir G. NabarroWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that earlier this afternoon an important statistic was given by one of his Ministerial colleagues to the effect that stoppages and days lost in industry had increased by 525 per cent. measured over the seven years from 1963, the last year of Tory Administration, to 1970? Should not the 146 Divisions on the Committee stage of the Industrial Relations Bill be read in that context?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already ventured into this sphere once today and I do not propose to do so again. Poor industrial relationships obviously have a major influence on productivity. Even more serious I think, is the impact on deliveries to customers overseas.
§ Mr. HefferIs it not clear that under the present Government the situation has been going from bad to worse? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have increased unemployment figures, postal workers being offered absolutely no progress whatever after being out for five weeks, and a complete lack of efficiency and competence on the part of the Government? Is he aware that if he really wishes to challenge this side of the House he should be prepared to extend that challenge in the country and allow the people to decide.
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman will be able to judge from the response which his hon. Friends gave to that suggestion how unwelcome it was to them.