asked the Taoiseach the rise in the Consumer Price Index since 1st November 1967.

The Consumer Price Index (base August, 1947=100) rose from 193 at mid-November, 1967 to 200 at mid-May, 1968, or by 3.6 per cent. The index numbers are calculated in respect of mid-February, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November each year.

4.

asked the Taoiseach if he will list the items used to calculate the Consumer Price Index the prices of which have increased since 1st November 1967.

With your permission, A Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the percentage change in the price of each item entering into the Consumer Price Index between mid-November, 1967, and mid-May, 1968, the latest date for which the index is available.

Following is the statement:—

PERCENTAGE change in prices of items entering into the Consumer Price Index between mid-November, 1967, and mid-May, 1968.

(a) Not corrected for seasonality.

(b) Changes are taken into account once a year.

n.c. =no change.