HC Deb 12 July 1972 vol 840 cc371-2W
Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in food prices in the City of Birmingham over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972, based on information collected by the Government in the City; and if he will provide a breakdown of the individual items.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I regret that the information available is insufficient to provide a reliable index for the City of Birmingham.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the percentage change in price of each of the individual items as listed in Appendix A of his Department's publication "Method of Construction and Calculation of the Index of Retail Prices" over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The information collected by my Department in respect of some items, although sufficient for the calculation of a reliable all-items index, is insufficient for the calculation of reliable item indices.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what additions or deletions there have been to the items comprising the General Index of Retail Prices as set out in the Government publication "Method of Construction and Calculation of the Index of Retail Prices".

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The following changes have been made:

Additions

  • Bacon—Middle cut.
  • Canned stewed steak.
  • Fresh cream.
  • Yoghourt.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Quick-frozen beans.
  • Night storage heater.
  • Nylon shirt.
  • Pantihose.
  • Charge for car test.
  • Subscription to motoring association.
  • Paper handkerchiefs.
  • Launderette charges.
  • Meals bought and consumed outside the home.
  • State school meals.
  • Meals, etc. in canteens, cafes and restaurants.

Deletions

  • Flour, plain.
  • Imported beef—
  • Sirloin (without bone).
  • Back ribs (with bone).
  • Brisket (with bone).
  • Fore ribs (with bone).
  • Mutton, home-killed.
  • Mutton, imported.
  • Hake.
  • Beetroot.
  • Prunes.
  • Coffee essence, liquid.
  • Fully fashioned nylon stockings.
  • Motor cycle tyre.
  • Pedal cycle tyre.
  • Radio licence.
  • Bagwash.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in the Housing Group Index of the General Index of Retail Prices in the City of Birmingham over the period June, 1970, to June, 1972; and how the figure compares with the national average.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I regret that this information is not available.

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