HC Deb 07 April 1936 vol 310 cc2606-8
73. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to revise the basis of the cost-of-living index number?

Mr. E. BROWN

Yes, Sir. I have recently given further consideration to this matter and have decided that a revision of the basis of the cost-of-living index number should now be undertaken. For this purpose, it will be necessary to collect data with regard to the distribution of the main items of expenditure of working-class households at the present time. An inquiry of this character, on a scale sufficiently comprehensive to provide representative information covering different seasons of the year, cannot be completed before the end of next year. In the meantime, the cost-of-living index number will continue to be calculated on the existing basis, and I anticipate that the new index number can be so linked on to the previous numbers as to continue the series without a break. I should add that, as regards the methods to be adopted in the conduct of the inquiry, I hope to have the assistance of a small advisory committee, which will include representatives of employers and trade unions.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Can my right hon. Friend give us the names of the Advisory Committee and the terms of reference?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot give the names at the moment, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question after Easter I will do so. I can however give the terms of reference, which are as follow: To advise the Minister of Labour as to the methods to he adopted in the collection of information, by means of family budgets, showing the approximate average weekly expenditure of working-class families on the items which should be taken into account in the construction of index numbers, designed to measure the percentage changes, from month to month, in the cost of maintaining a present-day standard of living.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman let the House have them before next spring?

Mr. SILVERMAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, pending the ascertainment of the new scales under this provision, he proposes to postpone the new regulations until he knows what is the true cost of living?

Mr. BROWN

No, they will be brought in in the spring.

Mr. HICKS

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there have been any representations either from organised workpeople or employers for a revision of the cost-of-living basis?

Mr. BROWN

I have had consultations with both.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the question of rent be included in the cost-of-living?

Mr. BROWN

That, of course, is one of the terms.

Mr. GALLACHER

Has the right hon. Gentleman any intention of revising the seasons?