§ Mr. Alisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the weight of local rates in the Retail Price Index; how this compares with the weights, respectively, of bread and of milk; and how much the increase in rate receipts shown in Table 5 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1974–75 will add to the Retail Price Index in 1974–75.
§ Dr. GilbertThe relative weights per 1,000 given in the Retail Prices Index are 30 to domestic rates including water charges, 15 to bread and 18 to fresh milk. The figure of rate receipts given in Table 5 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1974–75 covers not only domestic 177 rates but also rates paid by industrial and commercial organisations. A forecast of the effect of the total increase in rates on the Retail Prices Index cannot be provided.