§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to his reply dated 2 December, Official Report, c. 127, to the hon. Member for Grimsby, whether normalised unit labour costs have risen faster or slower than unit labour costs relative to those of the United Kingdom's principal competitors and by how much; and if he will make a statement indicating the reasons for the difference, if any.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyne[pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1981, c. 408]: Over the year to the first quarter of 1981, United Kingdom normalised unit labour costs increased by around 10 per cent. more than a weighted average of our main competitors, measured in domestic currencies. United Kingdom wage inflation has now been reduced from the earlier high levels, and it is believed that the increase in United Kingdom normalised unit labour costs this year has been approximately in line with the average of our competitors. I am unable at this stage to offer the hon. Member more precise estimates.
My right hon. and learned Friend has no intention of making a statement on this matter.