HC Deb 02 February 1938 vol 331 cc230-1
48. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage in crease as compared with 1914 in the retail price of food and coal for domestic use, respectively, on 1st January, 1938?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)

On 1st January, 1938, the official cost-of-living index numbers showed an increase, as compared with July, 1914, of 45 per cent. in retail prices of food, and between 95 and 100 per cent. in retail prices of coal for domestic use.

Mr. Williams

Having regard to the fact that coal has increased in price very much more than foodstuffs, will the Financial Secretary call the attention of the Secretary for Mines to the matter, in view of forthcoming legislation?

Mr. Grenfell

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, in view of the information supplied to the hon. Member, cause inquiries to be made as to why the price of coal has gone up so much?