§ 51. Mr. Coombsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates is the current rate of growth in gross domestic product; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanThe current rate of growth of gross domestic product is in line with the estimate of 4 to 4½ per cent. which my right hon. Friend made last July. This is twice as fast as the average rate of growth between 1964 and 1970. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the debate on unemployment on 24th January, there is no reason why 4 to 5 per cent. growth should not continue for many years provided our international price competitiveness is maintained.