HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 c1360
14. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total amount of United States securities has been sold by the Government lately.

Mr. H. Brooke

Since my right hon. Friend's statement on 21st February last, £6.5 million worth.

Mr. Grimond

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is the Government's policy about these securities? Are they all to be sold gradually, when the market is favourable, or is it intended to retain some of them indefinitely?

Mr. Brooke

There has been no change whatever in policy since the announcement made by the Leader of the Opposition, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, in 1951, but we have to manage this portfolio of investments, and from time to time it is desirable to sell some.