asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the reasons for the increase in the interim cost-of-living index figure from the first quarter of this year to the second quarter of this year by three points; and (b) what steps the Government proposes to take to stop the cost of living from rising further.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost-of-Living Increase.
The increase of three points in the interim cost-of-living index figure at mid-May, 1953, compared with mid-February, 1953, is accounted for by an increase of 3.45 points in the food group offset by decreases of 0.25 of a point in the fuel and light group and of 0.05 of a point in the clothing group.
The index does not measure changes in the standard of living but in retail prices of specified commodities. As regards the second part of the question, no further general price increase in the commodities which affect the cost-of-living index figure is expected.