§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the American Government's pledge to economic growth of just under 5 per cent. in 1978 and Japan's 6 to 7 per cent. and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development declaration that the West should set its sights on a 4½ per cent. growth as against his estimate of a 3½ per cent. growth, on what basis it is estimated that Great Britain is going to be one of the fatest growing countries in the world in 1978.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonA growth rate of 3½ per cent., which was forecast in October, would be sufficient to absorb some of the spare capacity in this country. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of many of the other major economies, or of the OECD area as a whole.
§ Mr. Norman Lamontasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the growth rate of the United Kingdom economy in the latest 10-year period in which a comparison can be made with other EEC countries; and whether he will publish a table showing those growth rates.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.