§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will list the decline in manpower in the main sectors of the textile industry, consequential upon increased productivity, re-equipment and reorganisation, over the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what have been the primary employment consequences of increased investment in the major sectors of the textile and clothing industry over post-war years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CryerThere are no official estimates of the employment consequences of increased productivity, investment, re-equipment and reorganisation in the textiles and clothing industry over the periods in question. It would be impossible to distinguish between the different factors listed or to isolate accurately other influences. However, while some jobs have been lost by the improvement in productivity which has been achieved over the years as a result of new investment and the more efficient use of manpower, on the other side of the equation the greater competitiveness which has been gained has helped maintain employment at a higher level than could otherwise have been expected. The long-term future of United Kingdom industry depends on securing improvements in productivity.