§ 40. Mr. Eggarasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's level of productivity.
§ Mr. Peter ReesProductivity 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.