HC Deb 21 December 1954 vol 535 cc2571-2
3. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Labour by how many points the cost-of-living index has been increased through the rise, since 1951, in the retail price of popular brands of tea, from 3s. 2d. to 7s. 6d. per lb.

Mr. Watkinson

While I do not in any way accept the prices of popular brands of tea quoted by the hon. Member, such increases as have taken place between October, 1951, and November, 1954, have raised the all-items index by just over one point.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that tea now costs 4d. a cup, which is 1s. a pint, and will he ease his own problems by urging his colleague to remove the tax on beer, so that at least one comforting beverage will be available to people at prices which they can afford?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that is a Question which had better be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

4. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Labour the causes of the rise of 5 per cent. in the Retail Food Price Index from October, 1953, to October, 1954.

Mr. Watkinson

The increase of 5 per cent. in the Retail Food Price Index between October, 1953, and October, 1954, was due mainly to increases in the prices of meat, tea, tomatoes, butter, fish and cocoa. There were slight increases in the prices of certain other foods. The effect of these increases was partly offset by price reductions on a few other commodities.

Mr. Jeger

We appreciate that the hon. Gentleman and his Department are no more than recording angels of the price index, but can he give the House any indication when he intends to plot the graph downwards instead of upwards?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that the answer is one which should give both sides of this Question. In the same period that the price index of food went up 5 per cent. the wages index for men went up by approximately the same amount.

Mr. Callaghan

Can the Minister tell us why, at a time when farmers are getting less for their produce, the housewife is paying more for it?

Mr. Watkinson

Because some things go up in price and others go down, and some are imported and some are grown at home.

Forward to