§ 73. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give figures for the last convenient period showing the overall percentage-increase in the volume of industrial production over that for a similar time in 1946; and how this compares with the best pre-war indices.
§ Mr. BelcherThe volume of output in February, 1948, as estimated for the interim index of industrial production was 31 per cent. greater than in February, 1946, and 24 per cent. greater than the average for 1946. These estimates are provisional. With regard to the comparison with pre-war years, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bucklow (Mr. Shepherd) on 15th April.