HC Deb 12 May 1988 vol 133 cc208-9W
24. Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the rate of inflation.

Mr. Brooke

In the 12 months to March 1988 the level of inflation, as measured by the General Index of Retail Prices ( RPI), was 3 . 5 per cent.

25. Mr. Hardy

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the rate of inflation; and what he expects it to be by the end of the current year.

Mr. Brooke

My right hon. Friend forecast at the time of the Budget that the RPI will increase in the year to the fourth quarter of 1988 by 4 per cent.

31. Mr. Andrew MacKay

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current level of inflation.

Mr. Lilley

In the 12 months to March 1988 the level of inflation, as measured by the General Index of Retail Prices (RPI), was 3.5 per cent.

Mr. Fatchett

33, To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the rate of inflation for 1988–89.

Mr. Lilley

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor forecast at the time of the Budget that the GDP deflator will increase by 4½ per cent. in 1988–89 over the previous financial year. He forecast the RPI to increase by 4 per cent. in the year to mid-1989.

35. Mr. Cummings

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest forecast for the rate of inflation to the end of 1989.

Mr. Lilley

The Government have not made a forecast for inflation to the end of 1989.

54. Sir John Farr

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current annual rate of inflation; and what was the comparable figure 10 years ago.

Mr. Lilley

In the 12 months to March 1988 the level of inflation, as measured by the General Index of Retail Prices (RPI), was 3.5 per cent. In March 1978 the rate was 9.1 per cent.

69. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest forecast for the rate of inflation for the rest of 1988.

Mr. Lilley

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor forecast at the time of the Budget that the RPI will increase in the year to the fourth quarter of 1988 by 4 per cent.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the outturn rate of inflation for 1988–89.

Mr. Brooke

I refer the hon. Member to the forecast made in my right hon. Friend's Financial Statement and Budget Report 1988–89, paragraphs 3.45 and 3.46.