HC Deb 28 January 1981 vol 997 cc466-7W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take action within the European Economic Community to ensure that the growth rate of the Community approaches that of Norway or Austria.

Mr. Lawson

[pursuant to his reply, 26 January 1981, c. 326]: I would be happy to consider any specific suggestions my hon. Friend may have in mind. But I am sure he will recognise, as did the Finance Ministers of the Community when they discussed the annual economic report, that it is important not to overstate the extent to which Governments can determine rates of economic growth. All Community Governments, including the United Kingdom, are giving the highest priority to reducing inflation as the essential precondition for sustainable growth.