HC Deb 02 July 1974 vol 876 cc111-2W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will give an estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the increases, over the past 12 months, in the price of crude oil.

Mr. Booth

No estimate is available for the effect of increases in crude oil prices. The increase in the general index of retail prices in the 12 months to Hay 1974 resulting from the direct effects of increases in the prices of petrol and other petroleum fuels was 1.7 per cent.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the increases in taxation announced in the Budget.

Mr. Booth

It is estimated that the direct effect on the retail prices index of the increases in taxation announced in the Budget was about 1¾ per cent.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the recent increase in electricity charges.

Mr. Booth

It is estimated that the recent proposed increases in electricity charges to domestic consumers will result in a rise in the general index of retail prices of about 0.7 per cent. up to July, of which 0.15 per cent. has already been reflected in the May index.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the, recent increase in rail fares.

Mr. Booth

It is estimated that the recent increase in rail fares will produce a rise of about 0.05 per cent. in the July retail prices index.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will give an estimate of the rise in the index figure representing the cost of living resulting from the increases, over the last 18 months, in the price of wheat.

Mr. Booth

It is not possible to identify separately the effects of wheat prices, which together with labour and other costs, affect a range of items in the retail prices index.