§ Mr. Gowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of 88W inflation in the United Kingdom during the three years 1st April 1973 to 31st March 1976; and what are the comparable figures for each of the other eight countries of the EEC.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesFor the United Kingdom, the General Index of Retail Prices increased at an average annual rate of 18 per cent. between February 1973 and February 1976, the latest date available. Corresponding figures for other member countries of the EEC between January 1973 and January 1976, the latest date available, are:
per cent. Belgium 11 Luxembourg 10 Denmark 11 France 11 West Germany 6 Irish Republic (1) 16 Italy 16 Netherlands 9 (1) November 1972 to November 1975. Source: OECD "Main Economic Indicators".
Over this period also, the figure for the United Kingdom is 18 per cent.