asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the nominal value of the sterling assets or securities held by the Central Bank, all Government Departments and agencies, the associated banks, respectively on 31st March, 1953, 1954, 1955; further the market value in each case in each of the years in question.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sterling Assets and Securities.
The total nominal value of British Government securities held by Government Departments and the Courts of Justice at 31st March, 1953, and 31st March, 1954, was £41.5 million and £40.7 million respectively. The market values at the same dates were £34.4 million and £36.1 million. Figures for 31st March, 1955, will not be available for some time.
The sterling assets of the Central Bank at 31st March, 1953, 1954 and 1955, valued in accordance with the statutory provisions, amounted to £71.9 million, £75.8 million and £82.9 million, respectively, while the net external assets of the associated banks at the nearest convenient dates to those mentioned by the Deputy were £121.3 million, £127.1 million and £116.4 million.