asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the Consumer Price Index Number for mid-February, 1959, and (b) the present value of the pound sterling in 1914 and 1938.

(a) The Consumer Price Index for mid-February, 1959 is not yet available. It is expected that the figure will be published next week. (b) It is estimated that at mid-November, 1958 £1 would have purchased the same quantum of goods and services at retail prices as 4/3½d. in July, 1914 and as 7/5 in the year 1938.