§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the trend in real interest rates since March 1981.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe measurement of real interest rates involves many problems. There is a discussion of some of the issues in the December 1983Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin. Most measures suggest that from early 1981 real short-term interest rates increased, but have since fallen back from their peak levels.