§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the external debt has been reduced since May 1979; how this compares with the period 1974 to 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneSince May 1979, official external debt has fallen by $8.7 billion. During the period 1974 to 1979, official external debt rose by $13.7 billion.