§ 66. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, bearing in mind the 14 per cent. increase in food prices since October, 1951, and the hardship which this imposes on all those on low fixed incomes, especially old-age pensioners, he will give an assurance that all his future policy will be designed to ease the growing burden on this section of the community.
§ Mr. MaudlingI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 19th November last. I must also point out that the food element in the Interim Index of Retail Prices was at substantially the same level in December, 1953, as twelve months before.