HC Deb 12 July 1984 vol 63 c668W
40. Mr. Eggar

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's level of productivity.

Mr. Peter Rees

Productivity in the United Kingdom is now at the highest level ever recorded. Output per head for the whole economy increased by about 3 per cent. between the fourth quarters of 1982 and 1983 to a level 5 per cent. above the last peak. in 1979. For manufacturing industry output per head in the three months to April 1984 was 6 per cent. up on a year earlier and 13 per cent. up on the 1979 peak. Increases in productivity have been a major factor behind the recent improvements in company profitability, which are vital for investment and so for long-term job prospects.