HC Deb 11 June 1931 vol 253 cc1182-3
11. Mr. W. J. BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour whether she will afford to interested Members of Parliament private access to the results of the cost-of-living inquiries recently carried out by her Department?

23. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Labour when the last revision of the cost-of-living index number took place; and whether she will consider an inquiry into the items and weighting of the items considered in arriving at the number, so that a more accurate figure may be arrived at, in view of the way in which working-class standards are related to the index number?

Miss BONDFIELD

There has been no general revision of the basis of the cost-of-living index number. The Government have recently had the question under careful consideration, but they are not satisfied that this is an opportune time for collecting the information as to family expenditure which would be necessary for the purpose of establishing a new basis, or that the advantages to be gained by revising the index number would not, in present conditions, be more than counterbalanced by the disadvantages. In these circumstances, it is considered to be inexpedient to take any action for the present. I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend the Member for West Wolverhampton (Mr. W. J. Brown).

Mr. BROWN

Since this figure regulates the wages of about 2,500,000 people in this country, and since it is known that a sub-committee of the Economic Advisory Council has been at work on this problem, is it not possible for Members of the House of Commons to be acquainted with their report?

Miss BONDFIELD

I will see what can be done.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the right hon. Lady aware that the Labour movement in this country has agitated for years because of the wrong way of arriving at this figure, and, now that we have a Government, cannot that Government do something to put this matter right?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to my reply.

Lieut - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the question of rent been considered in view of the effects of the Conservative de-control Acts?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid that that matter does not arise out of the question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that large numbers have been compelled to go into new houses and must of necessity pay higher rents, will not the right hon. Lady reconsider the question of allowing rent to be taken into account, as it is the chief burden?

Mr. SPEAKER

We have gone some distance from the actual question.

Mr. BROWN

Is the Government's decision not to proceed with this inquiry in harmony with, or in contradiction of, the recommendations of the sub-committee of the Economic Advisory Council?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am afraid that I cannot give a reply to that question.