§ Mr. Lathamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made since the reply to the hon. Member for Melton on 23 July 1981, Official Report, c. 192, in keeping down the level of price increases in the nationalised industries through genuine improvements in efficiency with what special effects on the retail prices index; and whether he will give examples for a sample of nationalised industries of what actual statistical improvements there have been in controlling price increases in 1981–82 compared with 1980–81.
§ Mr. BrittanThe underlying trend in nationalised industry prices is improving steadily. Provided that industries continue to hold down their current costs through improvements in efficiency and other measures, I am hopeful this trend will continue.
The following table sets out the percentage level of price increases in the 12-month periods up to July 1981 and May 1982:
Percentage Increase in 12 Months to:
July 1981 May 1982 RPI (all items) 10.9 9.5 Nationalised industries etc.* 19.6 14.0 Coal 9 8 Gas 25 25 Electricity 22 10 Postage 17 9 Telephones etc. 24 13 Note: * Covers goods and services mainly produced by nationalised industries, water authorities and London Transport.