asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the net external assets of (a) the Central Bank; (b) the associated banks, and (c) the Post Office Savings Bank on the 31st December, 1953, and on the 31st March, 1954.

The net external assets of the associated banks at 31st December, 1953, and 16th March, 1954, (the date nearest to 31st March, 1954, for which figures are available) amounted to £127.3 million and £127.1 million, respectively. The external assets of the Central Bank on the same dates were, respectively, £77.3 million and £76.1 million.

The market value of the external securities of the Post Office Savings Bank Fund at 31st December, 1953, was £23.8 million, and at the 31st March, 1954, £23.9 million. The nominal value remained unchanged.