HC Deb 02 February 1956 vol 548 cc1072-3
37. Mr. Warbey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated deficit in current transactions between the United Kingdom and the dollar area for the year ending 31st December, 1955, excluding and including United States aid.

Sir E. Boyle

I regret that the figures are not yet available. They will be published in about two months' time in the next balance of payments White Paper.

Mr. Warbey

Is the hon. Gentleman's Department really so incompetent that it cannot produce these figures within one month of the end of the year? Can the Economic Secretary not now say whether the deficit, excluding American aid, is likely to exceed about £250 million?

Sir E. Boyle

The hon. Member ought to realise that it would be quite impossible for final figures for the current balance with the dollar area in the second half of 1955 yet to have been prepared.