§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the Government's policy on passing on productivity gains to the workers in the form of pay increases in(a) British-owned firms and (b) foreign-owned firms.
§ Mr. NichollsProductivity is a vital influence on the costs and competitiveness of all businesses, irrespective of ownership. Pay increases should not automatically absorb all of the productivity gains made. Resource must be available for improvement of price competitiveness, future investment, increased output and jobs.