§ 43. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to initiate a study of the Index of Retail Prices with a view to changes in it as suggested by the recent Report of the Council on Prices, Productivity and Incomes; and whether he will also review the field of available statistical information to see whether such information as is already available can be improved upon.
§ Mr. BarberMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has the Index of Retail Prices under constant review. I would point out that the Fourth Report of the Council on Prices, Productivity and Incomes did not suggest that changes should be made in the Index, but my right hon. Friend will keep in mind the comments made in paragraph 60 of that Report. The suggestions made in the Report about the improvement of statistics is being considered by Departments.