£ Sterling

HC Deb 20 May 1969 vol 784 cc219-20

15. Mr. Marten

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many days since devaluation has the £ sterling been at $2.40 or above.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

On 98 working days.

Mr. Marten

As the constant aim of this Government has been to strengthen sterling, is not it an astonishing record that in the 550 days since devaluation only on 98 occasions has it touched parity or been above? Is not the only way to restore confidence in sterling to have a new Government?

Mr. Jenkins

I should have thought it hardly worth the hon. Gentleman's while to put down that Question to enable him to lead to the conclusion which he repeats about five times a week. His arithmetic, as usual, is false. The comparison with 98 working days is not 550 days. The number of working days is much more like 300.