asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total sterling assets held by (a) the Central Bank, (b) the Government (including the Post Office, Law Courts, the Department of Social Welfare and all other Government Departments and agencies), (c) the associated banks, and (d) other persons, firms or corporations on the 31st March of this year, showing in each case the nominal value and the market value of such assets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sterling Assets.
The available information in regard to (a) and (c) is contained in my reply to a question by Deputy Larkin on 15th May. As regards (d) I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question by him on 15th November, 1951.
As regards (b) the nominal value of the sterling securities held by Government Departments or agencies including the Courts of Justice at 31st March last was £46,499,000. The market value at the same date was £37,705,000.
You lost £9,000,000 there.
Is there any Government which has not lost money invested in fixed interest securities, including the Government of the United States of America?
I suppose that is as good an alibi as any.
No Government has lost as much as the present Government anyway.