HC Deb 11 March 1937 vol 321 cc1315-6
8. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage increase in the cost of living between February, 1935, and February, 1936?

Mr. E. Brown

According to the statistics compiled by my Department relating to the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-war standard of living of working-class families, the average level of the cost of living of such families was approximately 42 per cent. above the prewar level at 1st February, 1935, and 47 per cent. above the pre-war level at 1st February, 1936. These figures indicate an increase of approximately 3½ per cent. in the cost of living between the two dates.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the tendency of the cost of living to increase and the effect on an unemployed family, can the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Unemployment Assistance Board?

Mr. Brown

That, of course, is another matter.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not the case that the index figure at the moment is 151, and will the matter be considered in the light of more recent figures than those given in reply to the question?

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Member will put that down I will give an answer, but there has been a great increase in the full time rate of wages.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the fact that there has been quite a substantial increase in the cost of living over the period mentioned no bearing on the situation as it affects unemployed families?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman must not take me as saying that.