HL Deb 02 May 1972 vol 330 c736WA
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage growth rate is foreseen in the economies of the United Kingdom and of the present E.E.C. members respectively over the next five and ten years.

EARL JELLICOE

It is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to publish an official forecast of the growth of the U.K. economy in the medium term. But there is no reason why output should not increase at a rate substantially above that of recent years for a considerable period ahead, provided that the development of wages and prices is satisfactory and our competitiveness in international markets is maintained. Estimates of the medium-term growth of output in present E.E.C. member countries were published by the O.E.C.D.* in December, 1970, and were as follows:—

Percentage changes, annual rates
1970–75 1970–80
Germany 4.6 4.6
France … 5.9 6.0
Italy … 5.5 5.6
Netherlands 4.7 4.6
Belgium… 4.8 4.7

Source: O.E.C.D. Growth of output 1960–80.