§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the total benefits received by the Crown in respect of taxation on Ocean Island phosphate for the following financial years, respectively: 1920 to 1929, 1930 to 1939, 1940 to 1949, 1950 to 1959, 1960 to 1969, 1969 to 1975 and for the period from 1975 to 31st December 1978; and what is his estimate of the value of these sums at current prices.
§ Mr. LuardThe figures are as follows:
Phosphate taxation ('000) Estimated value at current prices ('000) 1964–69 … A$9,205 A$22,746 1970–75 … A$43,930 A$70,155 1976–77 … A$17,867 A$20,751 (£11,167) (£12,969) During 1920–63 annual receipts were considerably smaller, but it is not possible to provide precise details.