§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effects on (a) the cost of living, (b) wages, (c) profits, (d) prices and (e) employment of the rise in the cost of fuel by 10 per cent. by the early part of 1981 and by 17 per cent. by the end of 1981.
§ Mr. BiffenThe effect on the cost of living, wages, profits, prices and employment arising from the increase in the cost of fuel depends on the relationship between this change and other developments in the economy, including movements in the general price level. While the Government keep all of these factors under continuing review, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of these effects.