§ Mr. Lawsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of inflation, as defined by the percentage rise in the retail price index over the three months to May, expressed as an annual rate.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThe increase in the Retail Price Index in the three months to May, expressed at an annual rate, is 11.1 per cent. However, the normally accepted indicator of the current trend, the rise over six months of the RPI excluding seasonal foods, expressed at an annual rate, is 8.6 per cent. for May.