§ Sir G. Jonesasked the Minister of Production whether he is aware that before the war the average annual increase in productivity of the worker over the whole field of production was about 2½ per cent.; and whether he can state the corresponding increase since the war?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am advised that the estimate given by my hon. Friend of the average annual increase in productivity of the worker over the whole field of production before the war is probably too high, and that a cumulative annual increase of 1½ per cent. would more nearly represent the rate of progress of those years. For the period since the outbreak of war it is difficult to calculate precisely comparable figures; but, quite apart from the increased output resulting from overtime working, there is every reason to believe that the average annual increase in productivity has been fully maintained.