asked the Minister for Finance if he is in a position to give final figures in regard to the Irish balance of payments for 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - 1951 Balance of Payments Figure.
Final estimates of the balance of payments for 1951 will not be available for some time. They usually appear in the June issue of the Irish Trade Journal and Statistical Bulletin. On the basis of the published trade statistics for 1951 a provisional estimate may be made, as follows:—
|
£ |
|
|
Imports |
204,000,000 |
|
Exports |
81,000,000 |
|
Deficit on visible trade |
123,000,000 |
Assuming that net invisible income was much the same in 1951 as in 1950, when it was £57,000,000, the overall deficit in the 1951 balance of payments would be of the order of £66,000,000.
It is shrinking. The Irish Press said it was £150,000,000.
It is a great deal bigger than £150,000,000.
It is a great deal more than Mr. Butler will ever allow you.
Go and drown Mr. Butler in eggs.