§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry, further to the Appropriation 631W accounts (House of Commons 138 1977–78, class IV, Vote 7), what share of the proceeds of the liquidation of the stock of the International Tin Council's buffer stock of tin he expects to receive; what is the value in cash terms; and when he expects payment to be made.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe United Kingdom, as a contributor, will be entitled to a share in the proceeds of the liquidation of the tin buffer stock in accordance with the arrangements set out in article 25 of the fifth international tin agreement—Cmnd. 6424. Unless the period of the agreement is extended, the buffer stock will be liquidated on 30 June 1981, and any refund due would be received as soon as the final accounts had been audited. It is not possible to quantify in advance the United Kingdom's share, but present indications are that it is unlikely to be less than the initial contribution of £2,492,590 made in 1977–78.