The ONS inflation basket adapts to the 21st century

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) updates its list of goods and services annually to keep it up to date with consumer spending patterns.

As well as CD players, slippers and chocolate covered biscuits have been ditched from the 650-strong list.

Instead Britons are now spending enough on hi-tech gadgets such as flat screen TVs for them to join the list.

Other additions to the list include digital camcorders and music downloads.

Meanwhile, Britons are also relying more on fast-fit car maintenance centres - prompting their inclusion in the ONS calculations.

The ONS added that it was hoping to widen the range of outlets where goods are sold - hence it including nightclub sales of bottled lager and in-store cafeteria meal sales.

Meanwhile, wine box sales complement existing coverage of wine sales, while menthol cigarettes have been added to cigarette sales.