§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will publish the annual figures for the rate of inflation for each year from 1970, and give his estimate of the rate for current year.
§ Mr. MaclennanIncreases for each year since 1970 are set out below. I have nothing further to add to the statements already made on inflation prospects by my right hon. Friend, that he expects the annual increase to remain at or about its April level for the rest of 1978.
RETAIL PRICES—ALL ITEMS Per cent. increase on the same month a year earlier 1970 December 7.9 1971 December 9.0 1972 December 7.7 1973 December 10.6 1974 December 19.1 1975 December 24.9 1976 December 15.1 1977 December 12.1 1978 June 7.4