Gold and Dollar Reserves

HC Deb 15 May 1952 vol 500 cc1605-6

15. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now give the figures for the balance of payments position in April of this year.

Sir A. Salter

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the position of the gold and dollar reserves at the end of April As the House will be aware, it has been the normal practice for figures of these reserves to be announced after the end of each quarter. The statements of monthly figures which my right hon. Friend made in November, 1951, and March last were made exceptionally in view of the important changes of policy which he was then announcing.

My right hon. Friend will, of course, keep the House informed if any change in the normal procedure is contemplated at any time.

Sir I. Fraser

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the position is favourable?

Sir A. Salter

My hon. Friend may recall that a statement was made recently that the improvement shown as from March had been continued in April.