§ 36. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Food Controller the present estimated percentage of increase in the cost of living as compared with last November, and also with June, 1914, basing it on the same commodities as in previous Returns issued by his Department?
Mr. ROBERTSThe records compiled by the Ministry of Labour show that since 1st November there has been an actual fall in the level of food prices. On the basis of a constant schedule of articles, representing approximately the average consumption of a working-class family in 1914, the increase since July, 1914, was 104 percent. on 1st June, as compared with 320 an increase of 133 percent. on 1st November, 1918. Commodities other than food are not included in these calculations.
Major NEWMANCould the right hon. Gentleman tell me how I can ascertain the increase in the cost of boots, clothing, and such things?
Mr. ROBERTSObviously, that is not a question of food consumption, and therefore it is not competent for me to answer it.