XN000022-1973-05-17 — Page 3

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Thursday, May 17, 1973

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REMAINS UNCHANGED

The cost of living in Hong Kong remained fairly stable last month,

according to the latest General Consumer Price Index.

month.

The index for April was 154, the same as, that for the previous

Decreases of one point each were recorded in the indexes for

foodstuffs and services. On the other hand, there was a rise of six

points in the index for durable goods.

Increases of one point each were recorded in the index for housing

and the index for alcoholic drink and tobacco, while movements in other

sections of commodity were insignificant.

Compared with March 1973, the average retail price of rice, fish,

beef, poultry and fresh fruits dropped. But there were increases in the

prices of fresh vegetables, other seat and eggs.

The increase in housing charges pushed up the index for housing

by one point and a similar increase was recorded in the alcoholic drink

and tobacco index brought about by a revision in the prices of Chinese wines.

The index for durable goods rose by six points mainly as a result

of higher prices for wooden furniture and the drop in the index for services

followed the abolition of the entertainment tax, resulting in a lowering

of charges at cinemas.

The Modified Consumer Price Index for April was 159, the same

as that for the previous month, and 23 points higher than for the corresponding

month last year.

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