asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is satisfied that sufficient progress is being made with regard to the productivity aspects of the Government's policy on productivity, prices and incomes and if he will make a statement.

No, my right hon. Friend would certainly not claim to be satisfied. But we are tackling the problem of increasing productivity with vigour and in many different ways.

Does not the hon. Gentleman feel that the time has come to broaden the main attack from the Prices and Incomes Board—which, in this context, is doing a useful job—to the "little Neddies", which could have a much more positive rôle to play in improving productivity in the industries for which they are responsible?

I agree that they have a very important rôle to play, but I think the hon. Gentleman is a little out of date and does not realise that they are already playing it.

How soon does the hon. Gentleman expect us to reach the 6 per cent. increase in national productivity which the Chancellor has promised?

During the course of the planned period, I have no doubt.