§ 28. Mr. Doddsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the concern at the two points increase in the cost-of-living index for November, following a similar increase the previous month; and, in view of the importance of the matter, if he will state what action is being taken to prevent further increases.
38. Mr. Jegerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the rise in the retail price index from 129 to 154 during his predecessor's tenure of office; and what proposals he has for reducing the cost of living.
§ Sir E. BoyleI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Oldbury and Halesowen (Mr. Moyle) on Tuesday.
§ Mr. DoddsBut that is not good enough. Will the Minister explain how it is that, despite the solemn pledges given, the cost of living rose in 1955 faster than in any other year since 1951? Is he surprised mat in this morning's News Chronicle the Gallup Poll shows that if a General Election were held now he and his party would be badly walloped?
§ Sir E. BoyleI do not know about being badly walloped. We cannot debate that matter now, and I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. JayIf we cannot debate the matter now, can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that there will at least be no further rises in the cost of living in the next six months?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that the right hon. Gentleman gave no similar assurance when he occupied my present office.