§ Sir W. SUGDENasked the Secretary for Mines what was the percentage increase above the pre-War level of the retail price of coal in Central London in 1925, and how it compares with the percentage increase in the price of other staple commodities such as meat, fish, bacon, flour, eggs, milk and clothing?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have been asked to reply. The retail prices of coal in Central London in 1925 averaged approximately 75 per cent. above those in 1913 and 80 per cent. above those in July 1914. The average of the general cost-of-living index numbers for 1925 was nearly 76 per cent. above the level of July, 1914. For details of the increases in the prices of individual commodities, other than coal, I would refer my hon. Friend to the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for January, a copy of which I am sending him.