§ Colonel PERKINSasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the misleading character of the cost-of-living index figures; and whether it is proposed to make any alteration in the basis on which these figures are calculated?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am aware of criticisms of the cost-of-living figures but the principle on which they are based is that accepted by statisticians of authority in all countries. As regards the compilation of a new basis, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece).