HC Deb 27 June 1978 vol 952 cc469-71W
Mr. Wyn Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what has been the percentage in-

Mr. John Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each month since October 1974 the three-monthly percentage increase in the following percentage increase in the following indices expressed at an annual rate (a) the Price Commission index, (b) the all-items index of retail prices and (c) the wholesale price index.

Mr. Maclennan,

Pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 23rd June 1978; Vol. 952, c. 368], gave the following information:

The information, for what it is worth, is given below. As I have often stated, and as the Volatility of the figures shows, three months is too short a period for the reliable assessment of trends.

Crease in the retail price index to the latest available date since February 1974.

Mr. Maclennan

Between 19th February 1974 and 16th May 1978, the retail price index rose by 92.4 per cent. The trend of inflation has varied considerably over this time. For example, the annual increases in the RPI for the month of May in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 have been 16 per cent., 25 per cent., 15.4 per cent., 17.1 per cent. and 7.7 per cent., respectively.