HC Deb 15 May 1986 vol 97 cc555-6W
34. Mr. Ashdown

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is (a) the United Kingdom's current year on year inflation rate and (b) the current average year on year inflation rate of countries in the European monetary system.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Over the 12 months to March 1986, the retail prices index increased by 4.2 per cent. The annual rates of consumer price inflation, using the latest OECD data available, for other countries in the European monetary system are:

per cent.
Belgium *1.5
Denmark *1.7
Germany *0.l
France *3.0
Netherlands *0.7
Ireland †4.6
Italy *7.2
* March 1986.
† Quarter to February 1986.

36. Mr. Robert B. Jones

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of inflation.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for Berkshire, East (Mr. MacKay).