asked the Taoiseach if he will state the estimated purchasing power of the pound at (a) 1st March, 1957 and (b) the latest convenient date, using 1938 as the base year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchasing Power of £1
10.
It is estimated, on the basis of the Retail Price Index number (a) 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 (b) that at mid-August, 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.