HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 cc108-9W
Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the negotiations now taking place with the French Government over the Saarbrucken Bonds cover the period 1939 to 1945; and to what extent the French Government has indicated that it will make sterling available for the service of this loan.

COLONIAL TRADE WITH THE DOLLAR AREA ESTIMATED PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
$ Million 1948 2nd half 1949 1st half Total 1948–49 1949 2nd half 1950 1st half (estimate) Total 1949–50 (estimate)
Payments for imports—
West Africa … 10 10 20 10
West Indies … 60 60 120 45
Far East … 50 40 90 25
Other … 15 15 30 20
Total … 135 125 260 100 75 175
Receipts from exports—
West Africa … 45 70 115 25
West Indies … 25 30 55 30
Far East … 135 125 260 80
Other … 15 15 30 10
Total … 220 240 460 145 230 375
Note:
1. African sales of gold to the U.K. for sterling are not included.
2. "Invisible" and capital transactions are not included. In the case of the West Indies "invisible" earnings from the tourist trade are considerable.