§ 16. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the cost of living has risen by 20 per cent. since 1951; and if he will arrange for the issue of a White Paper setting out the main causes of this increase.
§ Sir E. BoyleI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. Lee) on 26th January.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonThat Answer also did not convey anything. Will the Economic Secretary take note that since 1951 the cost of living in this country has gone up by 20 per cent., which is seven times as great as the increase in the cost of living in Western Germany, Canada, and the United States? Will he not at least look at the question to see how these other countries have managed to keep the increase in the cost of living so much less than the Government of this country have done?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe Answer to which I have referred did, in fact, convey a good deal of information. I hope the hon. and gallant Member will not forget the very considerable long-term effects of devaluation on the price level of this country.