§ 78. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, based on the Interim Index of Retail Prices, the purchasing value of the £ has fallen from 20s. in October, 1951, to 17s. 10d. in November, 1954; what has been the reason for this decline; and what action he proposes to take to restore the purchasing value of the £ to its October, 1951, level.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerTaking the various groups of the Interim Index of Retail Prices, some have been stable or have fallen slightly. The increases have occurred chiefly in the food, rent and rates, fuel and light, and services groups. As to the last part, I cannot add anything to my answer to the previous Question.