HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 cc1639-40
60. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state in terms of £s. d. over the whole field of consumers' expenditure the value of the pound sterling in purchasing power on 31st December, 1927, 1937, 1947, taking 1914 as 100.

Sir S. Cripps

Taking 1914 as 100, the percentages are 59, 62 and 38 respectively.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the announcement made last night about the increase of wages to about four million workers and the reduction by about three and a half hours—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member only asked about the value of the pound, not about wages.

Sir W. Smithers

But my Question has to do with that. Will the Chancellor now broadcast to the nation the folly of continuing this policy—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member's questions are really getting a little absurd.