HC Deb 28 May 1970 vol 801 cc508-9W
Mr. David Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what has been the increase in the Retail Price Index between January, 1970, and April, 1970, expressed at an annual rate.

Mr. Dell:

The rise in the General Index of Retail Prices between 20th January, 1970, and 21st April, 1970, expressed as an annual rate was 10.6 per cent.; but the increase to some extent reflects seasonally higher food prices. The percentage rise between 22nd April, 1969, and 21st April, 1970, was 5.6 per cent.

Miss Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the latest available figure for the General Index of Retail Prices with the base 13th October, 1964, equals 100.

Mr. Dell:

The General Index of Retail Prices figure for 21st April, 1970, rebased on 13th October, 1964, equals 100 is 128.9.

Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, on the basis of the figures for the last month for which they are available, what is the estimated annual percentage rate of increase in prices.

Mr. Dell:

The General Index of Retail Prices rose by 1.5 per cent. between 17th March and 21st April, 1970, that is at an annual rate of about 16 per cent. The percentage rise between 18th March, 1969, and 22nd April, 1969, was 1.1 per cent. or, expressed as an annual rate, about 11 per cent. The percentage rise over the year 22nd April, 1969, to 21st April, 1970, was 5.6 per cent.