asked the Taoiseach if he will state the cost-of-living index figure, to base 1947=100, at 18th February, 1948, June, 1951, June, 1954, and at the latest available date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost-of-Living Index Figure.
As and from November, 1953, the title of the retail price index was changed from the "Interim Cost-of-Living Index (Essential Items)" to the "Consumer Price Index". The Consumer Price Index is based on mid-August, 1947=100 but differs in scope and weighting pattern from the Essential Items Index. In particular, the Consumer Price Index covers a wide range of sundries— including tobacco, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, newspapers, etc.—which were not covered by the Essential Items Index.
The index is computed at the quarterly intervals, mid-February, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November. To base mid-August 1947=100 the index was 99 at mid-February, 1948, 109 at mid-May, 1951, 124 at mid-May, 1954, and 134 at mid-May, 1956.
The index increased by 10 per cent. between mid-February, 1948 and mid-May, 1951, by 14 per cent. between mid-May, 1951, and mid-May, 1954, and by 8 per cent. between mid-May, 1954, and mid-May, 1956.