86. Mr. PIKE PEASEasked when the Report on the cost of living in the United Kingdom, which has been in preparation for some years, and whose publication was promised for the spring of this year, will be issued?
Mr. BUXTONIt is not the case that this Report has been in preparation for some years. The inquiry was begun in 1912, but was delayed in the early stages by various causes beyond the control of the Department, including the coal strike and the outbreak of cattle disease, which affected prices of fuel and meat. It was not until May, 1912, that the local investigation could be actually begun, since which time very satisfactory progress has been made, and I still hope that publication will take place before the end of the present spring.
Mr. PIKE PEASEI beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether a considerable portion of the results of this investigation was given in the evidence of Mr. Barnes before the Committee on Postmen's Wages, and whether he will lay a copy of the Memorandum on the Table?
Mr. BUXTONAs the question is under the consideration of the Committee I cannot see my way to lay the Memorandum on the Table.