HC Deb 20 July 1981 vol 9 cc14-5W
30. Mr. Leighton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what have been the effects of the Government's policy on the output of British manufacturing industry.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The fall in output is the result of many years of uncompetitiveness in British industry due to overmanning and restrictive labour practices, patchy management and high wage settlements without matching productivity improvements, coupled with a period of world recession. The Government's policies, which are directed to reducing inflation and restoring the incentive to enterprise, are creating the necessary environment for a return to competitiveness and an increase in industrial output.

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