§ 23. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that in his forthcoming Budget he will take the necessary action to ensure that by fiscal means the cost of living generally, food and services in particular, are reduced to the level of October, 1951.
§ Mr. MaudlingBefore I answer this Question. I should explain that the answer will be
the answer to the previous Question"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 8th February, 955; Vol. 536, c. 194.]referred to in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's answer to the hon. Member's Question No. 78 on Tuesday, 8th February. My right hon. Friend has asked me to apologise to the hon. Member for the fact that his answer on Tuesday did not take account of the hon. Member's decision to defer the present Question.Replies to previous Questions by the hon. Member have explained the limitations on the action which the Government can take on this matter. I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Mr. LewisMay I thank the Minister and the Chancellor for his apology, which is accepted? In view of the fact that, as the Minister has admitted, world import prices have been falling, yet the cost of living has been continually increasing and the £ has now reached its lowest level—at 18s. 5d.—is it not obvious that all this is the fault of the Government, particularly in view of the fact that they will not attempt to restrain high dividends? When can we expect the Government to implement their promise to reduce the cost of living, reduce the price of food, and make the £ worth something?
§ Mr. MaudlingThat is a rather complicated supplementary question, but I would point out that recently import prices have been rising, not falling.