§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, pursuant to his replies to the hon. Members for Burton (Mr. Lawrence) and Aberdare (Mr. Evans) on 20th June 1977—Official Report, columns 857–859—what is the current rate of inflation; and, of that figure, how much is calculated as being attributable to the effect of the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe annual increase in the retail prices index to April 1978 was 7.9 per cent. Changes in CAP pricing arrangements, including transitional steps implemented in the last year, were collectively forecast, when fully passed on, to increase the RPI by about ½ per cent. It is, of course, not possible to separate the effects of changes in CAP pricing arrangements from all the other factors which contributed to the 7.9 per cent. increase in the RPI.
§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what part of the increase in the annual rate of inflation in the calendar years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977 is attributable to the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. MaclennanI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.