§ 24. Mr. Tebbitasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will call a special meeting of Ministers concerned with economic, employment, trade and industry affairs to discuss the impact of current wage demands and the rate of increase of earnings to better establish the degree of progress towards the Government's target of single-figure inflation.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettSuch matters are regularly discussed by Ministers.
§ Mr. Woofasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThe retail price index rose by 14.1 per cent. over the 12 months to October. This is the fourth successive month in which the rate of inflation has fallen, it is expected to fall further to 12 per cent. or 13 per cent. by the end of the year.