§ 81. Mr. Hunterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value, in terms of current purchasing power, of £100 of postwar credits allocated in 1943, 1944, and 1945.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe current purchasing power of £100 post-war credits allocated in 1943, 1944 and 1945 is estimated to be roughly £61, £63 and £64.
This answer is based on the Consumer Price Index brought up to date by the Interim Index of Retail Prices. The Consumer Price Index has recently been revised for the years since 1946. No revised figures are, however, available for 1943, 1944 and 1945 so the Answer has had to be based partly on the old series.
§ 82. Mr. Hunterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to treat post-war credits on the same basis 175W as Post Office Savings Bank deposits, and allow 2½ per cent. interest.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Sir F. Medlicott) on 23rd June and to the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, East (Mr. Bence) on 3rd November.