§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of his statement that he proposes to institute an inquiry with a view to the revision of the basis of the cost of living as soon as conditions were such as to provide a basis for revision which was likely to prove of lasting value, he can state the average Cost of living index for the last 12 months; and whether his advisers consider that it is likely to fall for some time to come permanently below 75?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe average of the cost of living index numbers for the past twelve months has been approximately 7c per cent. above the level of July, 1914. I am afraid it is not possible to predict the future course of the index number.