HC Deb 12 May 1938 vol 335 cc1689-90
12. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has now completed the investigation into the cost-of-living index figure; and, if so, when does he propose to publish the result of this inquiry?

14. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Minister of Labour when the new Ministry of Labour index table is likely to be ready; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Mr. E. Brown

The inquiry into the distribution of working-class expenditure, which has been undertaken for the purpose of the revision of the basis of the cost-of-living index figures, was begun last October, and, as I have explained in previous replies, has to cover four separate weeks at quarterly intervals, in order that due account may be taken of the variations in expenditure at different seasons of the year. Budgets have been collected showing the expenditure of a large number of households in three of these weeks, in October, 1937, January, 1938, and April, 1938, respectively, and arrangements are being made to collect further budgets from the same households for a further week, in July. In addition, particulars of expenditure on clothing are being obtained, week by week, from a large number of households for a period of 12 months, ending in October, 1938. Statistics summarising the data collected will be published as soon as possible after the completion of these inquiries, but the subsequent revision of the index figures on the basis of the information obtained will take a considerable time, and I am not yet able to say by what date figures on a revised basis will be available for publication.

Mr. Davies

Has not the right hon. Gentleman already received sufficient information to satisfy him that the present cost-of-living index figure is grossly misleading as regards the position of people on low wages and allowances from public authorities?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member will understand that this is the most comprehensive inquiry which has taken place on this question in the whole history of the world, and is being carried out as a result of the recommendations of the most powerful advisory committee, on which employers, employed and other persons are engaged. We intend to carry out this proposal, and to carry our plans to a successful conclusion with the co-operation, which we have had, I am glad to say, from many thousands of households.

Mr. R. Gibson

Are investigations being carried on into the budgets of unemployed people, or are they restricted to families where the bread-winner is employed?

Mr. Brown

The position is well understood. I have answered questions upon it a number of times. It was decided that the inquiry should be made of people in work

Mr. McEntee

The Minister said that on the committee of inquiry there were employers, employed and other persons. I should like to ask who are the other persons?

Mr. Brown

I shall be pleased to send the hon. Member a copy of the complete list, and he will see that, as the House knows, this is a most representative and powerful committee.

Mr. McEntee

The question is, who are the others in addition to those who are employers or employés?

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