HC Deb 24 March 1955 vol 538 c2257
27. Mr. Dodds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the purchasing value of the £ sterling at the latest convenient date when compared with 20s. in October, 1951; and the comparable figure for October, 1953, and October, 1954.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. R. Maudling)

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 20s. in October, 1951, it is estimated that the corresponding figure for February, 1955, was 18s. 5d., and for October, 1953, and October, 1954, 19s. 2d. and 18s. 8d. respectively. This estimate is based on the Consumer Price Index and the Interim Index of Retail Prices.

Mr. Dodds

What a shocking confession of failure.

Brigadier Rayner

In order that this matter may be put into proper perspective, will my hon. Friend consider publishing in the Monthly Digest of Statistics a six-monthly account of the progress of the £ since the end of the war?