HC Deb 07 December 1982 vol 33 c489W
Mr. Foster

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what factors he attributes the loss of industrial competitiveness over the last three years.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

The loss of competitiveness is due to the fact that over the three years to 1982 Q2, United Kingdom labour costs rose 15 to 20 per cent. more in local currency terms than those of our competitors.