§ 4. Mr. Fletcher-Cookeasked the Minister of Labour which of the items that constitute the cost-of-living index were mainly responsible for the recent fall therein.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe fall in the Interim Index of Retail Prices in May was mainly due to seasonal reductions in the prices of milk and coal, lower prices for fish and reductions in the prices of many appliances, floor coverings and miscellaneous goods following a reduction in the rates of Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the fall in the prices of the latter items which he has mentioned, due to the reduction in Purchase Tax, has brought widespread satisfaction throughout the country with the Budget of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?