§ 31. Mr. Jeffrey Archerasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the percentage increase in the index of retail prices for food and for all items, respectively, in the 12 months ended December, 1969 and in each of the previous equivalent 12-month periods since December, 1959.
§ Mr. DellAs the Answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ArcherDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that over half the rise has been caused by indirect taxation imposed by this Government, and in particular by S.E.T.? Is not this another good reason for abolishing S.E.T.?
§ Mr. DellOne effect of the policy of this Government, of which increases in indirect taxes have been a part, has been to place Britain in one of the strongest balance of payments positions of any country in the world, and that justifies the actions that the Government have taken.
§ Following are the percentage increases:
| Twelve months ended December | Food | All items |
| 1969 | 6.4 | 4.7 |
| 1968 | 4.4 | 5.9 |
| 1967 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| 1966 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| 1965 | 3.1 | 4.5 |
| 1964 | 5.1 | 4.8 |
| 1963 | 2.2 | 1.9 |
| 1962 | 2.7 | 2.6 |
| 1961 | 1.9 | 4.4 |
| 1960 | 0.6 (decrease) | 1.8 |
| 1959 | 0.5 (decrease) | Nil |