tre against localism and centrifugalism.
It seems that at the subsequent meeting called to discuss the economy some serious differences emerged.
The Xinhua News Agency produced only a brief report. Contrary to usual practice none of the speeches were published in full.
Three areas of difficulty were identified: "a relatively weak agricultural base, difficulty in production and management of some state enterprises, and poor social security in some regions". All these are related to increasing inflation.
It is clear that market stalinism is beginning to run into serious problems. The future is, indeed, up for grabs. line. year ago, and was 1.7 per cent during September. that in the cities. SINCE MAY 1994 inflation has accelerated further after many years at high levels. Al the end of 1993 consumption prices for all residents broke the 18 per cent danger By September 1994 the retail price index rose to 24,6 per cent and the consumption price index for big and medium citles rose to 24,6 per cent - which was the highest since 1949.
Food prices were 61.6 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. In October new peaks were reached. The State Statistics Bureau announced that consumption prices for all residents rose by 27.7 per cent compared to the same period a Of the 35 big and medium cities, 9 saw the consumption price index increase more than 30 per cent. Chongqing even witnessed 38,2 per cent. The rural scene is even worse than Zhang Kai October Review December 1994
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No.77. 11 February 1995, Page 12