§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the annual rate of increase in output per man in manufacturing industry from 1974 to the latest date for which figures are available; what was the corresponding figure for the period 1970–73; and what was the ratio of each of these figures to the rate of growth in manufacturing industry in Japan, West Germany and the United States of America in each of these two periods, as known to him from international sources.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesI have been asked to reply.
Such information as is available on a comparable basis is provided by the OECD and covers the years 1970 to 1976. Information for the United Kingdom is also available for 1977 and 1978.
OUTPUT PER PERSON EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY A Annual rate of growth for United Kingdom Per cent. 1970–73 5.5 1974–76 1.4 1974–78 1.1
B Ratio of annual rate of growth in United Kingdom to Japan, West Germany and United States of America 1970–73 Japan 0.8 West Germany 0.8 *United States of America 1.0 1974–76 Japan 0.6 West Germany 0.3 *United States of America 0.5 * The definition of employment for USA covers wages and salary earners only. Source: Department of Employment and OECD.