§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can supply information as to the present cost of living in Fiji, as compared with November, 1940, with particular reference to food and clothing; and whether any system of price control has been introduced in the Colony?
§ Colonel StanleyOwing to the diversified conditions of living among the three principal races in Fiji the compilation of a comprehensive cost of living index has not been found possible. The Governor2312W reported that the cost of living in July, 1942, for Indian wage earners, who have been particularly affected by the increase in prices of their staple foodstuffs, was approximately 57 per cent. above that of September, 1939, and it is understood that a small increase has since taken place. No later figures are available. Price control has been in operation since the beginning of the war, and covers all necessities.