HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 cc599-600
38. Captain Pilkington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the £ sterling has fallen since 1951.

Mr. Birch

The internal purchasing power of the £ has fallen by 3s. 10½d. since 1951. This estimate is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index between 1951 and 1955 brought up to date by reference to the Index of Retail Prices.

Captain Pilkington

Since this fact is mentioned in the latest Labour Party leaflets, but not the fact that during Socialist rule the £ fell by 5s. 9d., will my right hon. Friend suggest to the leaders of the Socialist Party that they include both facts in future leaflets, as I am sure that they want to be fair?

Mr. Birch

I have no doubt at all that they have noticed my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since the whole country, if not the hon. Gentleman, is aware that the cost of living under the Labour Government changed far less than the increase in world prices and far more under the Conservative Government, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that the Answer which he has given is brought to the attention of the voters of Lewisham?