asked the Taoiseach if he will state the total loss in purchasing power, calculated on the basis of (a) retail prices, (b) wholesale prices and (c) import prices on £1,000,000 between August, 1938, and October, 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Loss in Purchasing Power.
It is estimated that £1,000,000 in August, 1951, the latest date for which the relevant information under all heads is available, would have purchased the same quantum of (a) essential goods (including rent) at retail prices as £489,000 in August, 1938; (b) goods at wholesale prices as £355,000 in October, 1938; (c) goods at import prices as £274,000 in August, 1938. Information on wholesale prices is not available prior to October, 1938.