§ Mr. HOPKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take measures to obtain up-to-date estimates of the cost of living of working-class families on the lines of the Sumner Com- 1100W mission, and as recommended by that Commission?
Sir R. H ORNEI have been asked to reply to this question. The recommendation of the Sumner Committee has been adopted by the Ministry of Labour and figures are published in each issue of the "Labour Gazette" showing the average percentage increase in expenditure on the principal articles of food, allowing for estimated changes in consumption. The effect of combining this increase with that ascertained for retail prices of items other than food is also shown. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the February issue of the "Labour Gazette," on page 66 of which the latest figures are given.