§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has for changing the index for cost of living measurement; if he will ensure that whatever changes are made he will still make available each month a retail price index based on the existing system of calculation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jim LesterMy right hon. Friend has no plans to change the coverage or method of compilation of the retail prices index and the index will continue to be published in its present form. The Government recognise, however, that the purchasing power of people's earnings is affected not only by the increase in prices but by direct taxation and they are actively considering the most appropriate statistical presentation of these effects. The Government will set out their proposals in due course.