Drop in Public Transport's Effect on Price Index
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PUBUC road and rail transport costs are playing a steadily diminishing role in the determination of the retail prices index, a report to Parliament stated last week.
Their place as chief item of transport expenditure has now been taken by the purchase and maintenance of motor vehicles----and if petrol and oil costs are added the comparison is even more decisive.
Giving their recommendations for revision of the index, the Cost of Living
Advisory Committee also conclude that proportionate expenditure on transport in general is going up nicely. Although it comes behind food, housing and clothing in the household budget, it is ahead of alcoholic drink, tobacco, and fuel and light.
In a list of items on which the index is based, the Committee recommend, in the transport section, the addition of the purchase of motor scooters—another (though perhaps to some, unwelcome) sign of the times.