Soviet Economic Output Up Slightly in February

The Soviet economy recovered slightly last month after a poor performance in January, but major industries are still falling short of their state-decreed production targets, official figures showed Sunday.

Central Statistical Board data published in the weekly Economic Gazette showed that industrial output was 0.8% higher in the first two months of this year compared with the same period of 1986. In January, the figure showed a drop of 0.1% over 1986.

The figures showed that only 77% of enterprises met their supply obligations in January and February this year. Economic Gazette said that labor productivity targets were also not fulfilled, but it did not publish specific figures.

Economists said the data reflected exceptionally bad weather at the start of the year and stricter quality controls imposed on enterprises, which mean products can be rejected if they are not considered good enough.