HC Deb 24 March 1975 vol 889 c28
29. Mr. Adley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in gross national product of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy, respectively, from 1958 to the latest date for which figures are available.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Joel Barnett)

With permission, I will circulate the figures in the Official Report.

Mr. Adley

Is the Chief Secretary aware that the figures, which I presume he has studied, will show that the original Six have benefited enormously, particularly after the first few years of the Community? What evidence has he to show that this country will not benefit equally materially once we are able fully to take advantage of entry as a full member of the Community?

Mr. Barnett

The hon. Gentleman has put a very complicated question. I hope that he will wait until he has seen the answer in the Official Report.

Following are the details:

The increases in gross national product at current market prices, from 1958 to 1973, measured in their own currencies on the internationally used definition are as follows:

Per Cent. Equivalent annual rate (per cent.)
United Kingdom 209 7£8
West Germany 271 9£1
France 368 10£8
Italy 327 10£2
Estimates of gross national product at constant prices are not available internationally. The estimated annual rates of increase in gross domestic product at constant prices between 1958 and 1973 are as follows:
Per Cent.
United Kingdom … … 3£1
West Germany … … 5£0
France … … 5£5
Italy … … 5£3