§ 57. Mr. Biffenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the percentage return on capital employed in United Kingdom manufacturing industry calculated on profits net of all taxes is now lower than at any time since the end of the war; what estimate he has made of the effects of this on the likely level of business activity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayI am aware that the return on capital has fallen in the last year or two. The Government are actively encouraging increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing industry in order to achieve a better return on capital and a higher level of business activity.