HC Deb 18 January 1990 vol 165 c342W
26. Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many European countries have higher inflation rates than the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ryder

Four EC countries have higher inflation rates than the United Kingdom when estimates of owner-occupier housing costs are excluded so as to bring the published figures on to a more comparable basis.

30. Mr. Fearn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure that he has for inflation in the United Kingdom; and what is the average inflation rate For countries that are full members of the European monetary system.

Mr. Ryder

Excluding mortgage interest payments United Kingdom inflation was 6.1 per cent. in November 1989. The latest, more comparable, inflation rate for members of the exchange rate mechanism of the EMS was 4.4 per cent. in October 1989.

67. Mr. Denzil Davies

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the growth of average earnings over the last six months on the rate of inflation.

Mr. Major

Excessive pay settlements primarily threaten job prospects. The Government will not bail out employers who do not control their costs.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest inflation figure.

Mr. Ryder

The all-items RPI annual inflation rate in November was 7.7 per cent. The underlying rate of inflation, as measured by the RPI excluding mortgage interest payments, was 6.1 per cent.

Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest forecast for inflation for the last quarter of 1990.

Mr. Ryder

The Autumn Statement forecast is for RPI annual inflation to fall to 5¾ per cent. by the fourth quarter of 1990.