HC Deb 16 November 1982 vol 32 cc97-8W
Mr. Chapman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage increase there has been in the retail prices index over the past five years.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1982, (c. 12): The information requested is as follows:

General index of retail prices; annual rate of increase to;
October 1978 7.8
October 1979 17.2
October 1980 15.4
October 1981 11.7
October 1982 6.8

The retail prices index and its percentage increase on a year earlier are published regularly in the Employment Gazette; for example, tables 6.4 and 6.5 of the October 1982 issue.

The figures relate to projects approved for IBRD and IDA assistance in fiscal year 1981–82—1 July 1981–30 June 1982.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the International Monetary Fund has had a request for help from Grenada, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Vietnam; and what has been the International Monetary Fund decision in the case of any such request.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

In 1981 the International Monetary Fund agreed a standby of SDR 3.4 million with Grenada and compensatory financing facility of SDR 2.1 million—reduced to SDR 1.4 million in November 1981 on account of over compensation. Nicaragua obtained a standby of SDR 34 million in April 1979. Following its cancellation in August a purchase of SDR 17 million under the CFF was made. Costa Rica is currently negotiating a standby with the fund. Vietnam made a purchase of SDR 28.4 million in the first credit tranche in 1981.