§ 17. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the cost of living in Cyprus rose by some 14 points in the three months after devaluation; if this tendency has now been checked; and what steps have been taken to alleviate the hardship thus caused and to reduce the cost of living.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe Cyprus cost of living index rose 13 points during the first three months after devaluation, but since January, 1950, when a new index of retail prices was introduced, the rise has been comparatively small. On the basis of the new index the total rise since devaluation is about 8 per cent. The Cyprus Government is also budgeting to spend £300,000 in 1950 on food subsidies, out of a total budget of about £4 million.