§ 56. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Labour the total cost of living increase since October, 1951, and the increase on commodities derationed since then; and how far the decrease in weight of certain packaged, tinned and bottled commodities at prices which have remained fixed since 1951 is reckoned in computing the rise in the index.
§ Mr. WatkinsonBetween 16th October, 1951, and 12th October, 1954, the Interim Index of Retail Prices rose from 129 to 144 points. The construction of the index is such that the average prices of individual food items at different dates are not computed. The Ministry of Labour Gazette and the Monthly Digest of Statistics give quarterly changes in the indices for certain groups of food-stuffs and I would refer the hon. Member to these figures. In computing the index a reduction in the quantity of an item sold at a fixed price is treated as equivalent to a rise in price and this rise is fully reflected in the index.
§ 57. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Labour in view of the concern occasioned by the rising cost of living which to some extent is reflected in the one point increase in the latest Index of Retail Prices, making an increase of 15 points since October, 1951, what action the Government propose to take to reduce it to the level of October, 1951, in the near future.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have nothing to add to the reply which was given to the hon. Member on 19th October last.