§ Mr. SainsburyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what evidence he has that seasonal adjustment for retail sales statistics gives a more reliable indication of activity than comparisons with a similar period of the previous year.
§ Mr. NelsonI have been asked to reply. Both measures are useful. Seasonal adjustment of retail sales statistics, whilst difficult, allows a sensible comparison of activity in the trade across months. Without adjustment, comparisons even with a similar period of the previous year can be distorted by moving holidays such as Easter and comparisons within a year are not possible.