asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the increase of two and a half per cent in the volume of British industrial production in 1965; if he will give a comparable figure in respect of this country; and if he will state the expected figure under the Programme for Economic Expansion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Production.
33.
I am aware that, according to statistics published by official sources for the period ended 30th November, 1965 the output of industries in Britain producing transportable goods was running at the level of an increase of 2½ per cent compared with 1964.
In the nine months ended 30th September, 1965, the output of transportable goods industries here is estimated to have increased by 3.8 per cent as compared with the corresponding period in 1964. The figure for the full year 1965 is not yet available.
The Second Programme for Economic Expansion envisaged an average annual increase of 7.4 per cent in the output of transportable goods industries between 1960 and 1970.
Does the Minister not now think that on the latest figures available we are only running at approximately half the increase we sought? Our policy in relation to industry and grants must be looked into. Is the Minister not disappointed with regard to this and does he intend doing anything about it?
There is a constant review of the incentives to industry, as I told the Deputy before.
If the Minister has achieved only half the target, must he not be disappointed and what does he intend to do?
It is half the average prediction. There is a continuing review to see what can be done to stimulate industry.
What is the average since the Second Programme came in?
I have not got the figure. There is a constant review in relation to incentives for industry.
Surely this constant review is meant to give the Minister figures so that he can correct the situation when we fall short? We are now running at a figure which represents half the industrial expansion envisaged in the Second Programme.
In this year of special circumstances, there has been a drop but every possible incentive and encouragement that can be given will be given.
Was the increase more than that anticipated in some years?
It is an average over ten years.
Has the Minister got the average?
I have not got it but I will get it.