§ 29. Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much the competitiveness of British industry has changed since May 1979.
§ Mr. ButcherThe ability of United Kingdom firms to compete successfully at home and overseas reflects many factors, not all of which can be measured. As far as competitiveness on costs is concerned, this has improved by over 20 per cent. since the start of 1981 as wage settlements have moderated. But United Kingdom unit labour costs are still some 15 per cent. higher relative to competitors than in the second quarter of 1979.