Retail Price Index

HC Deb 19 November 1979 vol 974 cc52-3W

1. Mr. Lamborn

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what will be the effect on the retail price index of the increased charges for public services announced on 1 November and the increased building society repayments which are due to take effect in January 1980.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

The higher prescription charges are estimated to add one twenty-fifth of one per cent. to the RPI. The future rate for mortgages has not yet been determined.

36. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the percentage increase over the previous year of the retail price index for the months of June, July, August, September and October 1979.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

The rate of increase in the retail price index was:

• 11.4 per cent in the 12 months up to June 1979
• 15.6 per cent. in the 12 months up to July
• 15.8 per cent in the 12 months up to August
• 16.5 per cent. in the 12 months up to September, and
• 17.2 per cent. in the 12 months up to October.