HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 cc35-6W
35. Mr. Pounder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the fall in the real value of the £ sterling since 15th October, 1964, to the most recent convenient date.

Mr. Diamond

On the basis of the change in the index of retail prices, the purchasing power of the £ sterling, taken as 20s. in October, 1964 was about 18s. 6d. in May, 1966, the latest date available.

44 and 45. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) to what extent the West German Bank has assisted in measures to save the pound;

(2) to what extent the Bank of Switzerland has assisted in measures to save the pound.

Mr. Callaghan

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement on 14th June.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 20s. in 1914, and then the value in each year since in shillings and pence to the latest convenient date.

Mr. MacDermot

The figures for the years 1914–1964 will be found in column 138 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 22nd January, 1965. The corresponding figure for 1965 is 3s. 11d.