§ 16. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the rate of inflation as measured by the last three-monthly retail price index figures annualised.
§ Mr. BrittanThe increase in the retail prices index over the last three months expressed as an annual rate was 8.2 per cent. for the all items index, and 7.8 per cent. for the index excluding seasonal foods.
§ 34. Mr. Knoxasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of inflation in the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figure for the 12 month period up to May 1980.
419W
§ Mr. BrittanThe retail prices index increased by 13.0 per cent. in the 12 months to January 1981; and by 21.9 per cent. in the 12 months to May 1980.
§ 40. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he considers that the British economy now suffers demand inflation.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweProbably the main causes of high inflation have been irresponsible financial policies and excessive Government borrowing. I shall have more to say about the situation facing the United Kingdom economy in my forthcoming Budget.