HC Deb 24 November 1980 vol 994 c41W
Mr. Wheeler

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the buying power of the £1 as against the post-war half-crown, and as against the 50p piece when this was introduced in 1969.

Mr. Biffen

The buying power of the £1 in October 1980 was equivalent to about 90 per cent. of the buying power of the post-war non-silver "white" half-crown when it was first introduced in 1947, and to about half the buying power of the 50p piece when it was introduced in October 1969.

Mr. Kaufman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, on the basis of the index of retail prices, is the purchasing power of the £ sterling now, taking it as 100 on 3 May 1979.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I shall let the right hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

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