§ 23. Mr. F. M. Bennettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the gold and dollar reserves of the United Kingdom in June, 1945, and November. 1951, respectively, as compared with today; and what was the gross total of dollar loans, grants, or other foreign aid received between those two dates.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI regret figures are not available covering precisely the periods for which the hon. Member has asked. But on 31st December, 1945, the gold and dollar reserves stood at £610 million and on 31st October, 1951, at £1,055 million, including the writing up of the reserves by £149 million due to devaluation. Between those dates the gross total of dollar loans, grants and other foreign aid directly affecting the gold and dollar reserves amounted to £2,181 million. The reserves at the end of March, 1957, stood at £789 million.