§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, further to the Economic Secretary's answer to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury on 12 June,Official Report, column 272, he will indicate what other housing costs are included in the Italian index of consumer prices quoted by him on 7 June; and what housing costs other than mortgage interest payments are included in the United Kingdom retail price index figures.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 15 June 1989]: The only housing costs included in the Italian consumer price index are rent, water charges and repairs. The housing group of the United Kingdom RPI includes rent, domestic rates, water and other charges, repair and maintenance charges, do-it-yourself materials and dwelling insurance and ground rents as well as mortgage interest payments.