HC Deb 01 March 1976 vol 906 cc905-6
14. Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has plans to initiate a campaign for improved productivity in manufacturing industry.

The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. Neil Carmichael)

The improvement of productivity is one of the prime objectives of the Government's industrial strategy now being developed in co-operation with both sides of industry.

Mr. Neubert

In view of the OECD figures, showing that, on average, the British industrial worker produces, per shift, less than half the amount produced by his German and American counterparts, and not much more than half the amount produced by his opposite number in Japan, is it not time for the Secretary of State to take more vigorous steps to improve the situation?

Mr. Carmichael

That is the whole purpose of seeking to improve productivity, and of the joint discussions between the two sides of industry and the Government.

Mr. Thorne

Is the Secretary of State prepared to use his influence in the Cabinet to ensure that wide-scale import controls are instituted, as one means of improving the position in manufacturing industry?

Mr. Carmichael

The question of import controls has been well debated. My hon. Friend will realise that they must be seriously considered, because they are a two-edged weapon, and it is better that this should be done by agreement with foreign Governments to protect particular sections of British industry, than that we should take action across the board.

Mr. Tebbit

May I emphasise, Mr. Speaker, in view of the Secretary of State's attitude a little earlier, that this is a question and not an expression of an opinion? Will not the Government's measures to protect jobs by subsidy payments, during a period when industrial output is stagnating, lower productivity?

Mr. Carmichael

They will not lower productivity. We are hoping, as a result of many of the schemes organised by the Government, considerably to improve the capital effectiveness of British industry and to increase our productivity, to await the period when the world upswing in trade occurs.