§ 61. Mr. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the purchasing power of the pound sterling to the nearest convenient date as compared with 20s. in 1945 and 16s. 2d. in January, 1950.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe purchasing power of the pound in March, 1950, was 16s. 1d., as compared with 20s. in 1945.
§ Mr. OsborneMay I ask the Chancellor two questions? Could we not have the comparison brought more up-to-date than March, and did the figure include the increases in the price of coal, transport and food which have recently been made?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt includes the cost of living figure for March.
§ Mr. OsborneCannot we have a more up-to-date figure than March?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. OsborneWhy not?
§ Sir S. CrippsBecause the figures have not yet been got out.