asked the Taoiseach the annual rate of inflation in respect of the years 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inflation Rate.
1.
The index generally used to measure the rate of inflation is the consumer price index. It is assumed the Deputy is referring to financial years in the question.
For the years 1971-72 the average of the four quarterly consumer price indexes in the year ending 31st March, 1972, was 8.8 per cent higher than the average of the four quarterly indexes in the year ending 31st March, 1971.
The corresponding figures for the financial years 1972-73 and 1973-74 were 8.8 per cent and 12.3 per cent, respectively.
Is there any particular reason why the figures the Parliamentary Secretary gave were computed on the basis of the average of four quarters as distinct from the actual increase between the beginning of a year and the end of a year?
There is no particular reason except that the way I have given the figures seemed the most informative. I can equally give the Deputy a breakdown of the increases for each quarter as against the quarter in the preceding year for the 12 quarters ending February, 1974.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary have the information in the form I have referred to, that is the increase taking the position at the beginning of a year and the position at the end?
The form in which the question was put down suggested that the answer might be given in the form in which I have given it, but I will try and get the information for the Deputy in the way he wishes.