HC Deb 16 January 1978 vol 942 cc32-3W
Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the retail price index on 1st January 1978 compared with that on 1st August 1976.

Mr. Maclennan

The retail price index, which reflects prices at approximately the middle of the month, stood at 158.5 in August 1976. In November 1977, which is the latest available figure, the index stood at 187.4. This represents an increase of 18.2 per cent.