§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, to assist in his evaluation of food price increases, he will ascertain and compare the overall percentage increase in national spending on food since 1970 with spending on alcohol, gambling, electrical goods, cars and motor cycles during the corresponding period.
§ Mrs. FennerThe following table shows the percentage increase in expenditure by consumers in the United Kingdom between 1970 and 1972.
Item Percentage Increase Food (household expenditure) 16.5 Alcoholic drink 27.6 Betting and gaming 28.1 Radio and electrical goods, etc. 45.5 Cars and motor cycles 81.0