§ 24. Mr. Doddsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the increase in consumers' expenditure on food between nearest convenient date to 1st January, 1952, and the latest convenient date; how much is represented by volume of consumption; and how much is due to the increase in prices.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Nigel Birch)Between 1951 and 1956, consumers' expenditure on food is estimated to have risen from £ 2,987 million to £ 4,376 million, or by 47 per cent. The increase in the volume of consumption, at 1948 prices, was rather Jess than 9 per cent., while prices rose about 35 per cent.