§ 26. Sir Michael NeubertTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the latest annual rate of inflation. [22253]
§ Mr. AitkenThe Chancellor receives a variety of representations which reinforce his determination to achieve the Government's objective of permanently low inflation.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the average rate of inflation(a) over the past five years and (b) between 1974 and 1979; and if he will make a statement. [22392]
§ Mr. NelsonThe average rate of underlying inflation—retail prices index excluding mortgage interest payments—over the past five years was 5 per cent.; between 1974 and 1979 it averaged 14 per cent.
The Government are committed to permanently low inflation. The benefits of low inflation are coming through in healthy growth, based on good export performance, and falling unemployment.