§ George Gardiner50. Mr. asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the rise in the wholesale price index has resulted from circumstances beyond the control of the present Government.
§ Mr. LawsonAlthough partly offset by movements in exchange rates, the acceleration in wholesale prices during 1979 reflects in substantial measure higher world prices for crude oil and other commodities. It is not, however, possible to make an exact estimate of the contribution of these factors.