HC Deb 04 April 1957 vol 568 c67W
Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in HANSARD a table of figures showing the relative internal purchasing power of the£sterling on 1st March in each of the years from 1951. taking the£sterling as having a purchasing value of 20s. on 1st March. 1951, and allowing for the depreciation in the purchasing value of the£sterling since that date.

Mr. Birch

The figures are as follows:

March, 1951 20s. 0d.
March, 1952 18s. 5d.
March, 1953 17s. l0d.
March, 1954 17s. 8d.
March, 1955 17s. 2d.
March, 1956 16s. 3d.
February, 1957 15s. l0d.

The calculations above are based on the consumer price index adjusted to give figures for the individual months by means of the Index of Retail Prices. A figure for March. 1957, is not yet available.

Mr. Holt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes taking to maintain the purchasing power of the£in view of demands for wage increases from many sections of the community.

Mr. Powell

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 2nd April about price levels.