HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c12
13. Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made by British Rail in securing productivity gains.

Mr. David Mitchell

I understand from British Rail that labour productivity has gone up by 11 per cent. since 1979 and that further improvements are planned.

Mr. Gregory

I am sure that the House will find those comments extremely encouraging. However, how far has such improvement been hampered by secondary picketing as a result of the miners' dispute?

Mr. Mitchell

The losses on the freight side that British Rail is now suffering as a result of the miners' dispute are between £4 million and £5 million a week. That lost revenue will weaken the pace at which British Rail can carry out its modernisation investment programme.