§ 69. Mr. Doddsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the anxiety that has arisen because of the increase in the cost-of-living index for the second successive month; what official measures it is proposed to take to deal with the matter; and what are the prospects for the New Year in this connection.
§ Mr. SimonThe rise in the index of retail prices in October and November has been to a significant extent the result of268W higher potato prices arising from unfavourable weather conditions during the summer. The retail price index is, nevertheless, at the same level as in the second quarter of the year. This result is as good as could be expected in view of all the circumstances, including the increases in wages and other personal incomes. Apart from seasonal factors and external factors which cannot be foreseen, the future trend of prices will depend very largely on the movements of personal incomes.