HC Deb 22 December 1983 vol 51 cc360-1W
18. Mr. Beaumont-Dark

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the rare of inflation.

Mr. Lawson

Over the 12 months to November 1983, the retail price index increased by 4.8 per cent. Inflation this year will be the lowest since 1968.

31. Mr. Richard Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he calculated his estimate of 4.5 per cent. inflation by the end of 1984.

Mr. Peter Rees

It is not the practice to publish a breakdown of the factors underlying the Government's forecasts. But we are seeing, for example, low rates of increase in unit labour costs as productivity levels continue to improve and pay settlements become more realistic.