§ 45. Sir C. Osborneasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, in view of the fact that the cost of living has risen by 1½ per cent. or at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum since the last General Election, what new steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take to prevent a further and more rapid rise in prices, which would take from the old-age pensioners much of the real advantage of their prospective pension increases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FoleyThe annual rate quoted by the hon. Member is misleading. The Index of Retail Prices for February in fact remained steady at its January level.
It would seem best to allow the action we have already taken to have its full effect before considering whether new measures are required.