§ 5. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the cost-of-living index figure has risen from 143 points in September, 1954, to 150 points in September, 1955; and what is the reason for this rise.
§ Sir W. MoncktonBetween September, 1954, and September, 1955, the all-items index figure of the Interim Index of Retail Prices rose by 4½ per cent. This was due to rises of 7½ per cent. in the general level of food prices, of 3 per cent, in rent and rates, of 9 per cent. in fuel and light, and of 5 per cent. in the group index covering various services. There was little change in the other components of the index. About two-thirds of the total rise of 4½ per cent. in the index was due to changes in the prices of food.