HC Deb 29 May 1945 vol 411 cc57-8W
Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the Minister of Labour what increase may be anticipated in the cost of living index due to the recent rise in coal prices.

Mr. McCorquodale

The increase in the retail prices of coal which took effect on 1st May raised the cost-of-living index by nearly three-fourths of a point. As a result of this increase, combined with a slight rise in the average level of working-class rents resulting from increases in local rates in many districts, the index for 1st May was 103 points above the level of July, 1914, compared with 102 points at 1st April.