§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment why he will not introduce a new cost of living index figure and purchasing value of the £ sterling index based on 1st April, 1971, 421W equalling 100 and giving quarterly estimates to show to what extent the rise and/or fall in these indices result from the Government's Budget proposals.
§ Mr. David HowellI see no reason for introducing a new index series. Changes in the average level of retail prices between 16th March or 20th April and later index dates can be derived easily from the index figures which will be published in due course. In any event this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.