HC Deb 09 February 1956 vol 548 c196W
24. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that during last year retail prices rose one-and-a-half times as fast as in 1954; that the value of imports rose 15 per cent. which was three times as much as exports, and reserves fell by about a quarter; what was the reason for this; and whether he will make a statement on his proposals to prevent a recurrence of this problem in 1956.

Sir E. Boyle

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is "Yes." In answer to the last part, I do not propose to embark on a discussion of these very wide issues in answer to a Parliamentary Question.