A recent issue of Soviet News gave the results of the first quarter of 1965 in Soviet industry. Compared to the first. quarter of 1964, the growth of industrial production was 9% - daily output was actually up 11%, there being two less working days and one less cdender day in the first quarter of 1965. The results for various branches of industry varied from a 7% increase in timber and paper, to a 14% increase in Chemicals. sey Light industry and food (the two were lumped together) did above average with 10%, but when examines individual items . consumer production is seen to be lagging very seriously behind other branches.
A selection of items was given with their production expressed as @ percentage of the same period last year. Thus we get for Cotton, 102% 3 Woollens, 94%; Linen, 99%; Silk, 101%; Garments, 97%; feather footwear, 100.2%; Soap, 104%; Clocks and watches, 102% - in these cases the increase, if any, only kept pace with the increase in population (estimated at 1.4% per year). Some branches did better: Radio sets, 108%; T.V. sets, 115%; Bicycles, 104%; and Furniture, 104%, On the other hand it would appear that Russians are eating much better, with Meat, 115%, Butter. 172%, Dairy products, 126%; Cheese, 149% and Tinned food, 10%.
Smith