asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total gross external assets held by the associated banks on 31st March, 1954, 1955 and 1956.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total net external assets of the associated banks on 31st March, 1954, 1955 and 1956.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is not available for the dates mentioned. The following, however, are particulars of the gross and net external assets of the commercial banks at the reporting dates in March, 1954, 1955, and 1956: