the Minister for Finance if, in view of the relaxation in exchange control regulations in a growing number of countries, he will consider similar moves in this country.

A number of exchange control relaxations have in fact been introduced here in recent years. The operation of the controls will continue to be kept under regular review by my Department and the Central Bank.

How convinced is the Minister that the exchange control regulations are necessary? On what basis does he assert that they are necessary?

I am convinced that in view of our economic situation and our external balance it is both desirable and necessary to continue our exchange control regulations.

In view of the obvious outflow of funds from the economy does the Minister agree that it is more necessary than ever to maintain them until such time as the flow goes the other way?