FOOD PRICES (INCREASE).

HC Deb 10 October 1916 vol 86 cc25-6W

Captain BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the cost of food has increased during the War?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The average increase in the retail prices of the principal articles of food between July, 1914, and September, 1916, was 65 per cent., assuming the continued consumption of the same commodities in the same proportions. In estimating the total change in cost of living, the rise in food prices should, of course, only be applied to the proportion of expenditure spent on food. Including, in addition, rent, clothing, fuel, light, and miscellaneous items of expenditure, the rise in cost of living during the War was found by the Food Prices Committee to be 45 per cent.