Cost of Living

HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 c223W

68. Mr. Albu

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing the changes in the cost of living in the years 1931 to 1940, inclusive, and in the corresponding values of the pound sterling.

Mr. Jay

The figures are as follows:

—	Cost of Living Index	Purchasing power of the £ sterling
		1931=100	1931=100	1931=20/-
				s.	d.
1931	…	100	100	20	0
1932	…	98	102	20	5
1933	…	95	105	21	0
1934	…	96	104	20	10
1935	…	97	103	20	7
1936	…	100	100	20	0
1937	…	104	96	19	2
1938	…	106	94	18	10
1939	…	107	93	18	7
1940	…	125	80	16	0

81. Squadron-Leader A. E. Cooper

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to reduce the high cost of living, especially to old age pensioners and those living on low incomes both earned and unearned.

Mr. Gaitskell

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Budget Statement by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.