asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the sterling value of the (a) American, (b) Canadian, (c) Swiss, (d) Spanish, and (e) Portuguese currencies, purchased during the first nine months of the current year and in the corresponding period in each of the years 1940 and 1941.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Currency Statistics.
I regret I must refuse the Deputy's request as, in my opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to supply the information which he seeks. As the Deputy is aware, Section 49 of the Finance Act, 1941, provided for the setting up of the Foreign Exchange Account into which is paid all sums in foreign currencies acquired by the Department of Finance. All the operations and transactions on the account are open to examination by the Comptroller and Auditor-General, who will report thereon to the Dáil under the provisions of Section 49 (10) of the Act referred to.