§ 28. Mr. Hirstasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the likely trend of inflation in 1986.
§ Mr. Ian StewartMost outside forecasts are broadly in line with the autumn statement which forecasts the annual rate of increase in the RPI declining to 3¾per cent. by the fourth quarter of 1986.
650W
§ 37. Mr. Sternasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he makes as to the relative impact of inflation on those of (a) below average and (b) above average incomes.
§ Mr. Ian StewartApart from the pensioner price indices, measures of inflation for separate income groups are not compiled.
§ 39. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the inflation rate for 1986.
§ Mr. Ian StewartA forecast of 3¾per cent. for the rate of inflation, as measured by the increase in the retail prices index, in the fourth quarter of 1986 was given in the autumn statement.
§ 42. Mr. Portilloasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will make a statement on the current factors affecting the rate of inflation.
§ Mr. Ian StewartMany factors affect inflation, but further progress on reducing it requires the maintenance of sound financial conditions. The prospects for inflation are set out in the autumn statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartOver the 12 months to November 1985, the retail prices index increased by 5.5 per cent.