HC Deb 11 February 1988 vol 127 cc330-1W
16. Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of interest rates in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the current level of interest rates.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Bank base rates are 9 per cent.

34. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about his policy on interest rates.

Mr. Lilley

Short-term interest rates are the essential instrument of monetary policy and are held at whatever level is necessary to maintain downward pressure on inflation.