45. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Labour what estimate he has made of the changes which have taken place in the level of retail prices for goods and services, and of wages and salaries since 20th July.
§ Mr. GunterThe average level of retail prices of goods and services, as measured by the Index of Retail Prices, rose by less than one-half of one per cent. between 19th July and 20th September.
Between 20th July and 30th September the index of weekly wage rates rose by less than one-tenth of one per cent. This increase was due entirely to the effect of wages regulation orders issued before 20th July. The weekly wage rates index does not cover changes in salary scales. The monthly index of average earnings, which measures changes in wage and salary 77W earnings combined, fell by 2 per cent. between end-July and end-August, but at this time of the year the index is influenced by seasonal factors, e.g. holidays.