§ 2. Mr. George Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour the average cost-of-living index number for the year 1937 for rent, clothing, fuel and light, coal, gas, and miscellaneous items?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)The averages of the percentage increases, over the level of July, 1914, recorded for the beginning of each of the 12 months of 1937 were as follow: rent (including rates) 59; clothing 102; fuel and light 78; coal 90; gas 48; miscellaneous items included in the index-number calculations 74.
§ Mr. T. SmithCan the right hon. Gentleman say how it comes about that the retail price of coal is 90 per cent, higher than it was in pre-war days?
§ Mr. BrownI should be glad to debate that matter with the hon. Member, but I could not deal with it in reply to a supplementary question.