§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour the relative cost of living in London and New York, respectively, taking into account similar housing accommodation in the two cities?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI regret that the available statistical information is insufficient to enable a comparison to be made on this basis. Certain figures relating to food, fuel and light are Compiled by the International Labour Office and are to be found in the "International Labour Review" for October, 1929. These figures 1481W are subject to important reservations, and, in any case, are insufficient to indicate the relative cost of living for which my hon. Friend has asked.
§ Mr. ROMERILasked the Minister of Labour whether, with the information already secured to date from the new valuation lists in the various assessment areas as to the average rent now being paid by the working classes, she can review the situation in order that the cost-of-living figure may be revised before it is next determined?
§ Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Health whether, with the information already secured to date from the new valuation lists in the various assessment areas as to the average rent now being paid by the working classes, he can review the situation in order that the cost-of-living figure may be revised before it is next determined?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe valuation lists do not provide the information required for the purpose of the official cost-of-living index figures. Particulars, however, are collected from other sources as to the changes actually occurring from time to time in working-class house rents (including local rates and water charges), and the index figure is regularly revised in the light of the information so obtained.