Inflation

HC Deb 06 December 1979 vol 975 cc283-4W

2. Mr. Allan Roberts

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effects the rising rates of inflation are having upon his economic policies.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The rising rate of inflation which we inherited has increased the Government's determination to pursue appropriate fiscal and monetary policies.

24. Mr. Flannery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of inflation; what was its level in November 1978: and if he will make a statement.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The retail prices index rose by 17.2 per cent. in the 12months to October 1979. The tax and prices index, which is probably a better guide to changes in taxpayers' costs over the year, rose by 14.8 per cent. in the 12 months to October. The RPI rose by 7.8 per cent. in the 12 months up to November 1978.

37. Mr. Skinner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with

will duly divide these data into those children paying for and those taking free school meals.

Mr. Macfarlane

This information is not available centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list at the latest available date the number and percentage of pupils taking school dinners in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools; and if he will be subdivide these data into those children paying for and those receiving free school meals.

Mr. Macfarlane

Latest available data relate to October 1978–the returns for the October 1979 census of school meals are not yet complete—and the information, for children attending maintained schools in England, is as follows:

the current rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I will not be satisfied until we have squeezed inflation out of the economy.

41. Mr. Buchan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is now his estimate of the rate of inflation over the next 12 months.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The forecast which the Government published on 22 November indicated that the retail prices index would rise by 14 per cent. in the year to the fourth quarter of 1980.