§ Mr. Parkasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of inflation based on the increase in the retail price index over the 12 months to July; and what is the rate based on the last three months calculated to an annual basis.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettI regret that the July retail prices index will not be published until 18th August: the index increased in the 12 months to May, the latest figure available, by 7.7 per cent. The increase in the three months to May, expressed at an annual rate, was 11.1 per cent.