HC Deb 21 March 1957 vol 567 cc549-50
44. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now publish figures of sterling balances quarterly instead of twice yearly.

Mr. Birch

The Government believes that the practice, established by its predecessors, of publishing these figures only half-yearly with the Balance of Payments Estimate remains the best. Figures for the end of 1956 will in fact be published at the beginning of next month.

Mr. Wilson

While we recognise that the Government have not had any ideas since 1951—except bad ones—may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to recognise that at a time of great international complication in our -gold and dollar reserves, it is vital to have more up-to-date figures of sterling balances in order to appreciate them; and, since we have nothing before the House or the country later than the sterling balances at June, 1956, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied about that or is he still looking up the trains in last June's Bradshaw?

Mr. Birch

I recognise that there is a substantial point here. This next return will come before the Budget. I will convey the point made by the right hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend.