asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the average annual rate of retail price inflation in the United Kingdom during each of the years 1969 to the first quarter of 1978, measured in the same way and at 1970 prices; and what was the purchasing power of the £ sterling during each of these years based on an index number of 100 for the year 1970.

I refer the hon. Member to Page 42 of the latest edition of Economic Trends, published by the Central Statistical Office, for yearly increases in the retail prices index and a series showing the purchasing power of the £ sterling. It is not meaningful to attempt to express inflation rates at 1970 prices.