Oral Answers to Questions

George Howarth Excerpts

Wednesday 14th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Maude]

Public sector productivity generally fell in absolute terms in the past 12 years, whereas private sector productivity rose by between 20 and 30%. There is therefore a problem with productivity in the public sector. However, I must tell my hon. Friend that median pay in the civil service is lower than that in the private sector, but pay in the wider public sector is higher.

[Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab)]

Does the Minister think that a career in public service is a good thing?

[Mr Maude]

Yes, 100%, which is why I adopted one.