§ Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase since 1st January, 1957, in the cost-of-living index up to 31st December, 1964, or the nearest possible date; and how much the purchasing power of the £ sterling has depreciated since 1st January, 1957.
§ Mr. DiamondThe increase in the cost of living, as measured by the Index of Retail Prices, between mid-January, 1957 and mid-November, 1964, the latest date available, was about 22 per cent. On the basis of the change in the consumer price index the purchasing power of the £, taken as 20s. in January, 1957, had fallen to about 16s. 9d. by November, 1964.