§ 69. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food whether he will give an estimate of the effect in expenditure on the average family of the increases and decreases in the price of foodstuffs since January, 1947
§ Mr. StracheyIndividual tastes vary so much that it is impossible to say what the effect on an average family would be. In the case of rationed foods, for which there is a fixed entitlement, the various charges amount to a net reduction of rather less than 1d. per head per week.
§ Mr. PiratinIn view of the fact that the Minister recently gave information with regard to five foodstuffs which have gone down in price, the amount of which he has just given as id. a week, and that, on the other hand, about 80 foodstuffs have gone up in the last few months, is it not important for the House to know whether it is the policy of the Government to create inflation and a rise in the cost of living?
§ Mr. StracheyIf the hon. Member wishes me to make this calculation he is really asking me to construct a new cost-of-living index, and that is not the business of my Department.