asked the Taoiseach if, in compiling statistics on domestic prices, the increase in the turnover tax is included.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consumer Price Index.
3.
Yes. The consumer price index reflects changes in the level of retail prices, including changes in the rate of turnover tax.
4.
asked the Taoiseach the percentage increase in the consumer price index from May, 1969, to May, 1970; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The consumer price index with base November, 1968 as 100 rose from 105.1 at mid-May, 1969 to 113.9 at mid-May, 1970 or by 8.4 per cent. With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the points increase attributable to each commodity group and to the principal constituent items.
Following is the statement:
POINTS increase in the consumer price index (base November, 1968=100) between mid-May, 1969 and mid-May, 1970, attributable to each commodity group and to the principal constituent items.
|
Commodity Group and item |
Points increase |
|
|
Food |
+ |
3.27 |
|
Potatoes (corrected for seasonality) |
+ |
0.65 |
|
Bread |
+ |
0.36 |
|
Milk |
+ |
0.33 |
|
Beef |
+ |
0.29 |
|
Meals away from home |
+ |
0.20 |
|
Mutton |
+ |
0.19 |
|
Bacon |
+ |
0.18 |
|
Ham, cooked |
+ |
0.10 |
|
Alcoholic drink |
+ |
0.90 |
|
Cigarettes and tobacco |
+ |
0.47 |
|
Clothing |
+ |
0.75 |
|
Fuel and light |
+ |
0.51 |
|
Coal |
+ |
0.31 |
|
Electricity |
+ |
0.11 |
|
Housing |
+ |
0.70 |
|
Rent and rates of rented dwellings |
+ |
0.33 |
|
Rates of owner occupied dwellings |
+ |
0.24 |
|
Repairs and decorations of all dwellings |
+ |
0.13 |
|
Durable household goods |
+ |
0.35 |
|
Other Goods |
+ |
0.32 |
|
Papers and magazines |
+ |
0.12 |
|
Transport |
+ |
0.56 |
|
Motor cars |
+ |
0.33 |
|
Services and related expenditure |
+ |
0.99 |
|
Domestic service |
+ |
0.14 |
|
Other expenditure |
+ |
0.13 |
|
Admission to dance |
+ |
0.11 |
|
Admission to cinema |
+ |
0.11 |
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that an 8.4 per cent increase in the consumer price index over a period of one year is a very high increase? Would he not further agree that the Government's mismanagement of the economy is throwing away our competitive advantage especially with regard to our application for membership of the EEC?
It does not arise on this question. I have not notice of that question. Perhaps the Deputy would put down a question?
The Parliamentary Secretary is avoiding the issue.
I never avoid an issue and we on this side of the House do not seek to avoid issues.