HC Deb 01 April 1980 vol 982 c117W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, further to his reply dated 19 February on the level of unemployment in 1980–81, what is his assessment of the means by which an increase in productivity could lead to a reduction in unemployment.

Mr. Jim Lester

Increased productivity would help to make United Kingdom goods more competitive in home and overseas markets, so attracting orders and leading to an expansion of output and employment.