§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing for each year since 1970 and this year to date(a) the nominal and real rate of interest and (b) the change in the nominal and real rate of exchange based on relative unit values for manufactures based on the second half of 1973 = 100.
§ Mr. NelsonNominal rates of interest are published in the Central Statistical Office's "Economic Trends", table 41. There is no unique definition of real interest rates. For example, calculations based on yields on index-linked gilts are published montly in CSO's "Financial Statistics", table 13.4; alternative measures of real interest rates may be derived from nominal interest rates and the various price indices published in, for example, "Economic Trends". The sterling—nominal—exchange rate index is published in "Financial Statistics", table 13.1. Finally, calculations of United Kingdom relative manufacturers' exports prices, based on unit value indices, are published in "Economic Trends", table 25.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether domestic holidays are included under other recreations in the retail price index in table 18.2 of the "Monthly Digest of Statistics"; and if he will publish separate figures for the increase in the price of domestic holidays to enable a comparison to be drawn with the newly published figures for foreign holidays.
§ Mr. NelsonAt present, no index measuring price changes in domestic holidays is compiled. However, the Retail Prices Index Advisory Committee has recommended—Cm 2142, paragraph 122—that such an index, be developed as soon as practicable.