§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the rate of increase in the retail prices index(a) including and (b) excluding, housing costs in (i) the year, (ii) the six-month period and (iii) the three-month period to October; and if he will estimate the effect on the price index of including rents, but excluding mortgage costs.
§ Mr. NelsonThe table shows the percentage changes in the relevant components of the retail prices index for the periods specified up to September 1992, the latest date for which information is available.
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Retail Prices Index: September 1992 Index Percentage change over (January 1987 = 100) Twelve months Six months Three months All items 139.4 3.6 2.0 0.1 All items except housing 134.9 3.5 1.4 -01 All items except mortgage interest payments 137.3 4.0 2.1 0.1 Note: The housing group of the retail prices index comprises rents in both the public and private sectors, mortgage interest payments, Community charges, water and sewerage charges, dwelling insurance and ground rent, repairs and maintenance charges and do-it-yourself materials.