Written question asked by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Monday, 2 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2002 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to paragraph A34 of the Pre-Budget Report November 2002 (Cm 5664), on what basis he is raising his estimate for the trend rate of productivity growth as set out in Table A3. - (Holding answer 5 December 2002).

Answer: Mr. Howard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to paragraph A34 of the pre-Budget report November 2002 (Cm 5664), on what basis he is raising his estimate for the trend rate of productivity growth as set out in Table A3. [85536] Ruth Kelly: [holding answer 5 December 2002]: As paragraph A34 of the pre-Budget report November 2002 (Cm 5664) sets out, "The corollary of Census 2001 related downward revisions to employment and hours in recent years has been somewhat stronger productivity growth than previous estimates suggested." A full explanation of how this affects estimates of the trend rate of productivity growth is set out in paragraphs A36 to A42 and Table A3 of the pre- Budget report.

Secondary information