§ Mr. Eric Johnsonasked the Minister of Labour by what percentage the index of retail prices and average earnings in industry have increased since 31st October, 1951; and what were the corresponding figures for the period 30th June, 1945, to 31st October, 1951.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Index of Retail Prices (linked to the Interim Index of Retail Prices) has increased by 30 per cent. between 16th October, 1951, and 14th April, 1959. (The percentage increase was the same to the latest available date, 16th June, 1959.) Comparable figures for the period prior to October, 1951, are only available back to 17th June, 1947. Between 17th June, 1947, and 16th October, 1951, the Interim Index of Retail Prices showed an increase of 29 per cent. The average weekly earnings of all manual workers in manufacturing industries and some of the principal non-manufacturing industries increased by 58 per cent. between October, 1951, and April, 1959. The increase in earnings between July, 1945, and October, 1951, was 47 per cent. and from April, 1947, to October, 1951, was 36 per cent.