§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the comparative figures for the cost of living in England in about October, 1931, and October, 1935; and, if possible, the figures for food prices at such dates?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe average level of working-class cost-of-living, as shown by the Ministry of Labour index figures, was the same at 1st October. 1935, as at 1st October, 1931, viz., 45 per cent. above the level of July, 1914. For food alone the index figure, at both dates, was 28 per cent. above the level of July, 1914. The statistics relate to the United Kingdom as a whole; separate figures for England are not available.