consumer.

It revealed prices have remained stable in the 12 months to December 1994 rising only 0.1 percent.

And some sectors even posted a decline in inflation. Clothing and footwear sectors contracted by 0.3 percent reflecting lower prices on selected winter items over Christmas.

Household appliances and services also decreased by 0.3 percent with virtually all items posting marginal declines. Furniture and bedding fell by 1.4 percent, household equipment by 0.6 percent and household supply products by 0.5 percent.

Food was also down by 0.1 percent while rent, fuel & power and health and personal care recorded no change.

Only the transport and vehicles and tobacco and liquor sectors posted increases.

The former experienced a 0.2 percent monthly increase on November due to a 1.2 percent increase in car prices coupled with a four percent increase in motorcycle prices.

Wine prices increased by 3.5 percent and 0.6 percent for beer resulting in a 0.7 percent increase overall in the sector. Spirits and cigarette prices remained unchanged.

Increased prices for pleasure boats also pushed up inflation in the recreation and reading sector by 2.2 percent.

Between November and December the all-items index remained steady at 147.4.

And in the 12 months to December 1994, the annual rate of inflation was 2.4 percent compared with 2.5 percent recorded in the previous 12-month period to November 1994.

"Prices are remaining stable which is good news for the consumer,'' confirmed Chief Government Statistician Ms Janet Smith.