§ 50. Mr. Tom Brownasked the Minister of Labour what are the principal commodities, the increase in the price of which is responsible for the rise in the cost-of-living index between 6th October, 1946, and 31st January, 1949; and what is the extent of this price increase for the individual commodities concerned.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsParticulars of the increases since June, 1947, in the price of items which enter into the calculation of the interim index of retail prices are given in the "Ministry of Labour Gazettes" for January, 1948, and January, 1949. This index replaced the cost-of-living index, which showed no change between October, 1946, and June, 1947.
§ Mr. BrownIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the figures to which he has referred reflect the true conditions of the increase in the cost of living in this country?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsYes, Sir, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the very long, detailed explanation in this month's "Ministry of Labour Gazette."