§ 78. Mrs. Mannasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the cost-of-living index figure, all items, in the United Nations bulletin is higher for Great Britatin than it is for Denmark, West Germany, the United States of America, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, or Belgium; and what new steps he proposes to take to effect an immediate reduction in the cost-of-living in Great Britain.
§ Mr. MaudlingInternationl comparisons of retail price movements are affected by the base year from which they are measured. The comparative record of the United Kingdom has been more favourable recently. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) yesterday.
§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the effect on the present retail price index figure of 109.2 taking the index for housing at 100 as at 1st May, 1956.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have been asked to reply
If the index for housing were taken as 100, the retail prices index figure for 13th May, 1958, would be 107.3.