§ Dr. Reginald Bennettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of foreign currency borrowings by the Government and the public sector in 1974, 1975 and so far in 1976, (a) expressed in £ sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the time of the respective borrowings and (b) expressed in £ sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing on 14th October 1976.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe total amount of foreign currency borrowing by the United Kingdom public sector, including Her Majesty's Government, for domestic purposes from 1974 to end-September 1976 was equivalent to £5.6 billion at rates of exchange prevailing at the end of the months when loans were taken out and £7.3 billion at the rates of exchange on 14th October 1976.
§ Dr. Reginald Bennettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total annual interest payment required 54W to service the total amount of foreign currency borrowings by the Government and the public sector in 1974, 1975 and so far in 1976 (a) expressed in £ sterling at the rates of exchange and the relative rates of interest prevailing at the time of the respective borrowings and (b) expressed in £ sterling at the rates of exchange and relative rates of interest prevailing on 14th October 1976.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe annual interest payment expressed in sterling at the rates of exchange and relative rates of interest prevailing at the time of the respective borrowings could only be provided at the cost of disproportionate time and effort. At current interest and exchange rates, interest payments on United Kingdom public sector, including Her Majesty's Government, foreign currency borrowing in 1974, 1975 and 1976 to date would be running at an annual rate of some £0.6 billion.