P.M. BRIEFING : British Inflation Eased in Jan.

LONDON — British inflation eased to 9% in January from December’s 9.3%, the government said today, expressing optimism that prices will continue to fall as the economy copes with recession.

The nation is struggling with a recession deepened by high interest rates imposed by the government to keep prices from rising.

Inflation, measured by the retail price index, has declined from a peak of 10.9% last fall. However, the average rate of inflation in the 24 leading industrial nations is 5.2% annually.

Cheaper gasoline and price cuts in New Year store sales helped to bring down British inflation in January.

The government, after a preview of the figures, shaved base interest rates to 13.5% from 14% Wednesday and hinted at further cuts if inflation continues to abate.