Inflation

HC Deb 12 May 1981 vol 4 cc259-60W

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the annual inflation rates on 4 May 1979 and 4 May 1981.

Mr. Brittan

Movements in the RPI are calculated from the middle of each month and figures for 4 May are not available. The increase in the RPI up to 15 May 1979 was 10.3 per cent. over the previous year, and 13.7 per cent. at an annual rate over the previous six months. I regret that figures for the increase in the RPI to May 1981 are not yet available. The latest figures available are for 17 March 1981 when the increase was 12.6 per cent. at an annual rate over the previous six months.