§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment by how much the percentage increase in the food element within the retail price index exceeded the rise in national average earnings between October 1972 and the latest available date.
§ Mr. ScottThe food element, which carries a weight of 25 per cent. in the retail prices index, increased by 19.8 per cent. between October 1972 and November 1973. Average earnings—seasonally adjusted—increased by 13.9 per cent. over the same period and the retail price index itself by 10.7 per cent.