§ Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food within which five-year periods since records have been kept, food prices have increased by more than 100 per cent.
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
According to post-war records, the increase in the retail food price index first exceeded 100 per cent. in a five-year period between April 1970 and April 1975, and five-yearly increases since then have remained in excess of 100 per cent.
According to more historic records, which are not strictly comparable with the current indices, the increase in the food sector of the cost of living index exceeded 100 per cent. in the five years ending November 1919, December 1919, January 1920 and November 1920.