§ 31. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Labour whether the monthly cost of living statistics is still calculated on the basis of a working-class budget derived from figures supplied by some 2,000 urban working-class families during one week in 1904; and, if so, whether he is satisfied that this basis is an adequate one under present conditions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe statistics prepared by the Ministry of Labour are designed to show the increase in the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of working-class families, and the changes in the prices of the various items included, as ascertained each month, must be combined in proportions corresponding with the relative importance of those items in pre-War working-class expenditure. For this purpose the application of the family budgets is generally valid, since the changes in the relative expenditure as between one staple article and another between 1904 and 1914 were slight, except as regards the increased consumption of margarine, for which allowance was made.
§ Mr. BRIANTIs it not the fact that this estimate is based on the consumption of a pound of fresh butter per week and a dozen eggs, and, if that is so, does this really represent the actual consumption at present?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will send my hon. Friend two copies of the "Labour Gazette" to show how we arrive at this figure and the details which make it up. After he has read those if he cares to put another question I shall be pleased to reply.
Colonel NEWMANIs it not the case that since 1904 there has been no specific inquiry into working-class budgets?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI did not say that.
47. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, with the exception of wheat, the price of which has to be maintained at an artificial price for reasons of State, the average price of the commodities of life is now at or below the figure of Armistice Day, 1918; and will wages and salaries that were advanced since that date on a sliding scale be now reduced correspondingly and the public who have brought prices down by a policy of doing without be allowed to benefit?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part therefore does not arise.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir.