§ Mr. Grimondasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the continued difficulties of the long-term market for Government loans and the accumulating deficits of the British Transport Commission, he will now consider a further investigation into the methods of financing the nationalised industries.
Mr. AmoryI do not see the necessity for a general investigation of this kind. As to the British Transport Commission, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, in his statement of 10th March, has indicated how the Government intend to go about consideration of the financial problems of the Commission.
1959 1960 — October November December January February Index of retail prices 100 100.7 100.9 100.6 Purchasing power of £ 100 99.3 99.1 99.4 Import prices 100 102 101 101 Export prices 100 102 102 102 Terms of trade 100 100 99 99 Weekly wage rates (all workers) 100 100.1 100.2 100.4 National Health and National Insurance: Contribution rates 100 100 100 100 100 Benefit rates 100 100 100 100 100 Pension rates: Retirement 100 100 100 100 100 War disability 100 100 100 100 100 Number wholly unemployed in U.K. 100 103.4 102.1 111.8 106.8 Bank Rate 4% 4% 4% (Jan. 21) 5% 5% Note: Figures of profits are not available on a monthly basis.