asked the Taoiseach if he will state the estimated purchasing power of the pound at 1st March, 1957, and on the latest date for which cost of living calculations are available, using as base 1938 equals 100.
Written Answers. - Purchasing Power of Pound.
150.
It is estimated, on the basis of the Retail Price Index number (1) that at mid-February 1957 (the date nearest to 1st March 1957 in respect of which the index is calculated) £1 would have purchased the same quantity of goods and services at retail prices as would 8s. 0½d. in the year 1938 and (2) that at mid-November 1959 (the latest date in respect of which the index has been computed) £1 would have purchased the same quantity of goods and services at retail prices as would 7s. 6½d. in the year 1938.