HC Deb 01 May 1985 vol 78 c163W
28. Mr. Phillip Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with Britain's position in the international efficiency and productivity leagues.

Mr. Butcher

Since 1980 United Kingdom output per man hour in manufacturing has increased more rapidly than that of most major industrial countries. Up to the third quarter of 1984 growth was significantly greater only in the Netherlands and Japan. But there is scope for further improvement, and our policies are designed to provide the climate in which that can be achieved.