HL Deb 18 June 1984 vol 453 c139WA
Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the percentage movement of the Retail Prices Index (Books) and the Bookseller Index of Books between 1978 and 1982, as against the Retail Prices Index.

The Earl of Gowrie

Between 1978 and 1982 the retail prices index for books increased by 72 per cent. compared with an increase of 63 per cent. in the general index of retail prices. The average price of books as reported inThe Bookseller rose by 58 per cent. between 1978 and 1982 (first half-year in each case) but this average relates only to newly published hooks and is affected by year-to-year changes in the "mix" of different types of book. The RPI, on the other hand, covers the whole range of books available, including old titles, and excludes the effect of changes in the relative sales of different types.