asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the percentage increase in council house rents in Wales since May 1979; and how this compares with the percentage increase in the general cost of living over the same period.

On the basis of returns made to the Welsh Office, it is estimated that the average percentage increase in unrebated council house rents between 1979–80 and 1981–82 was 76 per cent. Information about rent levels in 1982–83 is not yet available. The general index of retail prices showed an increase of 29.1 per cent. between September 1979 and September 1981.