HC Deb 15 May 1964 vol 695 cc134-5W
Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what has been the rate of growth of productivity in the wool textile industry since 1961; and how it compares with the rest of the economy.

Mr. du Cann

Output per man in the wool textile industry has risen less strongly than in the economy as a whole since 1961. Productivity comparisons between one year and another are, however, greatly influenced by the business conditions then prevailing. The output of the industry is lower than it was on average in 1961, and this has depressed the growth of productivity, but output is now increasing.

Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what was the volume of output per employee in the wool textile industry for 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963.

Mr. D. Price

Absolute figures of the volume of output per employee in the wool textile industry are not available. Comparatively the volume of output per man appears to have been slightly less in 1961 and 1962 than in 1960, but about 3 per cent. more in 1963. These comparisons are, however, greatly influenced by changes in business conditions over short periods.

Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what were the figures for production personnel in the wool textile industry in Yorkshire for 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963.

Mr. D. Price

Figures collected by the Wool Industry Bureau of Statistics for production personnel employed in the wool textile industry in Yorkshire and Lancashire are as follows:—

  • at 31st December, 1960–131,116
  • at 30th December, 1961–127,502
  • at 31st December, 1962–121,020
  • at 31st December, 1963–116,791.
Separate figures are not compiled but it is estimated that employment in Yorkshire accounts for 95 per cent. of the figures for Yorkshire and Lancashire combined.

Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what percentage of the wool textile industry's looms were automatic in 1963, and how this compares with 1960.

Mr. D. Price

In December, 1963, 29.6 per cent. of wool textile looms were automatic compared with 25.7 per cent. in December, 1960.