HC Deb 16 July 1981 vol 8 c446W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the annual change in productivity in the shipbuilding industry in the United Kingdom in each of the past two years; and how this compares with the figures for manufacturing industry as a whole.

Mr. Michael Marshall

The available information is as follows:

Output per Person Employed
Percentage change
1979–78 1980–79
Shipbuilding and marine engineering -5½ -5
All manufacturing industry +1½ -4

NoteOutput is measured by the index of production. Given the difficulties in measuring output for the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries, the above figures are more indicative of the movements which have taken place rather than precise measures.