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 of £1,000,000 between August, 1938, and the 31st March, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diminution in Purchasing Power.
It is estimated that £1,000,000 in March, 1952, would have purchased the same quantum of (a) essential goods (including rent) at retail prices as £476,000 in August, 1938; (b) goods at wholesale prices as £340,000 in October, 1938; (c) goods at import prices as £280,000 in August, 1938. Information on wholesale prices is not available prior to October, 1938, and the computation in respect of retail prices relates to February, 1952. The figure at (c) is provisional.