§ 31. Mr. Kinseyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage increase in the index of retail prices for the latest six-month period for which figures are available, and for the same period in 1970–71.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clark:The percentage increase in the General Index of Retail Prices between mid-September, 1971, and mid-March, 1972, was 3.1 per cent. The rise in the same period in 1970–71 was 5.3 per cent.
§ 32. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the rate of increase in retail prices since August, 1971; and how this compares with the same period up to August, 1971.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clark:The General Index of Retail Prices rose by 3.2 per cent. between 17th August and 21st March, 1972, compared with 5.6 per cent. between 19th January, 1971, and 17th August, 1971.