An HON. MEMBERwho failed to hand in his name asked the Minister of Labour whether, in compiling the cost-of-living index, the budgets of rural families were taken into consideration; and, if not, whether he has any reliable information to show how they are affected by the rise in prices?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe budgets from which the weighting of items for the cost-of-living index number is calculated do not include any for families in rural districts. From such information as is available, however, it would appear that the percentage changes in the cost of living in such districts do not differ materially from those shown in the index number.