asked the Taoiseach if he will state the value of the present £1 as at the following dates: 31st March, 1939, 31st March, 1949, 31st March, 1959 and 31st March, 1968.

Estimates of the purchasing power of money are based on the retail price index numbers which are calculated only in respect of mid-February, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November each year. On the basis of these index numbers it is estimated that £1 at mid-May, 1968 would purchase the same quantum of goods and services at retail prices as would 5s 5d at mid-May 1939, 9s 11d at mid-May 1949 and 14s 8d at mid-May 1959.