§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in recent months tea, bread, sugar, milk, flour, cheese, confectionery and petrol, have risen in price, that fares, transport costs, local authority rates, and rents, have risen, and further increases have been foreshadowed; and whether, in view of the need to combat inflation, he will move to appoint a Select or some such Committee to advise the Government on what action should be taken to stabilise and reduce the cost of living.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Index of Retail Prices rose by only about three-quarters of a point between April and December of last year. While some further increase may in present circumstances occur, it should not be exaggerated. The answer to the second part of the Question is: No.