HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc2111-2
29. Captain Pilkington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, taking the value of the £ at 20s. in 1945, what was its value in 1952 and at the latest available date.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ as 20s. in 1945, it is estimated that the corresponding figure for 1952 is 14s. and for October, 1955, 12s. 8d. This estimate is based on the Consumer Price Index from 1945 to 1954 and the Interim Index of Retail Prices since then.

Captain Pilkington

Does that mean that under Socialism the value of the £ fell by 6s.?