asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total amount of British securities held by all the Government Departments at the latest available date in 1955, and at the corresponding date in 1954.

The total amount of sterling securities held by Government Departments and the Courts of Justice is available only for the end of each financial year. The nominal value of these securities was £40.6 million at 31st March, 1955, and £40.7 million at 31st March, 1954.