HC Deb 19 June 1930 vol 240 c549
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Labour the purchasing power of the pound sterling in the period of January to December, 1929, as based on the cost-of-living index number, as compared with the same period in 1914?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)

Calculated in the ratio of the Ministry of Labour cost-of-living index number which relates to the expenditure of working-class families, what is popularly known as the purchasing power of the pound sterling in 1929, as compared with July, 1914, averaged 12s. 2d. Comparison is made with July, 1914, as comparable figures for earlier dates are not available.

Mr. DAY

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there has been any increase since December, 1929?

Miss BONDFIELD

I must have notice of that question.