HC Deb 22 June 1954 vol 529 cc223-4
32. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the purchasing power of the£sterling in April, 1954, taking 1935 as 20s.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Eight shillings. This estimate is based on the Ministry of Labour's cost of living index between 1935 and 1938, the index covering all consumer goods and services between 1938 and 1953, and the interim index thereafter.

Sir W. Smithers

Arising out of that answer is my right hon. Friend aware that I can only repeat the supplementary question I put to him on the last Question?

Mr. Paget

Is not the£still worth 20s.?

Hon. Members

Answer

Mr. Speaker

Order. I did not take that as a serious question.