HC Deb 30 May 1957 vol 571 cc576-7
2. Mr. du Cann

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much he estimates that the domestic purchasing power of the £ sterling will fall this year. and in each of the next five years.

Mr. Birch

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to make forecasts of this kind whether of rises or falls.

16. Dr. Broughton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to stop a further fall in the value of the £ sterling.

Mr. Birch

My right hon. Friend dealt fully with the question of costs and prices in his Budget speech on 9th April, and he has nothing to add at present.

Dr. Broughton

As the Government's policy, like the right hon. Gentleman's answer, has proved so unsatisfactory, can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government intend to implement the promises made by the Conservative Party at the last General Election to improve the value of the £ abroad and to increase its purchasing power at home?

Mr. Birch

I think that the hon. Gentleman would do very well to study the White Paper on the Economic Implications of Full Employment.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the Government now consider to be the reasonable increase in the cost of living per year?

Mr. Nabarro

Reasonable?

Hon. Members

Answer.