asked the Taoiseach the purchasing value of the pound for each of the years 1938 to 1962 and at mid-August 1963.

With your permission, Sir, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:—

ESTIMATED amounts which would be required in the years specified to purchase the same quantum of goods and services at retail prices as would £1 at mid-August, 1963.

3.

asked the Taoiseach if he will state the purchasing value of the pound at mid-August, 1963 as compared with mid-August, 1946.

It is estimated on the basis of the retail price index numbers that at mid-August, 1963, £1 would have purchased the same quantum of goods and services at retail prices as would 11s. 4d. at mid-August, 1946.