The country of Alcazar has been growing at an impressive pace for the last five years. With improvements in technology, many industries have recorded remarkable growth in productivity. An accountant, Lucas Eggers, however argues that people in the economy are not necessarily better off because mechanization and technology usually eliminate jobs. Toby Hartmann, who works at a bank, disagrees with Lucas. He thinks that Alcazar's high economic growth and wellbeing have been driven by this increase in productivity.Which of the following, if true, would weaken the claim that welfare in Alcazar has improved?

A.

The purchasing power of Alcazar's currency is higher than that of its neighboring countries.

B.

Newer industries absorbed most of the people who lost their jobs because of modernization of traditional industries.

C.

Although productivity increased, overall employment in the country fell more than the increase in output.

D.

Increased use of information technology improved efficiency in a lot of industries.

E.

Consumers in Alcazar have become more quality conscious in recent years.