§ 31. Mr. Sheldonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has now made of the balance of payments for 1968 and 1969.
§ 47. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Her Majesty's Government still estimates that the United Kingdom will achieve a£500 million annual rate of surplus on its balance of payments some time during 1969; and if he will indicate the basis for this estimate.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe House will know from my statement of Friday and my speech yesterday of the Government's determination to achieve a decisive and early improvement in the balance of payments. I do not intend to publish exact estimates at present.
§ Mr. MillsCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he adheres to the earlier forecast of£500 million surplus during the course of 1969? Is he aware that when this figures is given by the Treasury to international bodies, it is frankly treated with disbelief?
§ Mr. JenkinsYesterday, the right hon. Member for Bexley (Mr. Heath), who, I know, always has my interests at heart, warned me against publishing too many forecasts. I have published more than has ever been done before, and I do not in the least regret doing it, but I do not think that it is sensible constantly to publish forecasts. But our target remains exactly as previously.
§ Mr. BiffenWhat is "sizeable" and what is "early"?
§ Mr. Jenkins"Sizeable" is large and "early" is at the soonest possible moment.