asked the Taoiseach if he will state the value of the gross external assets of the State at the appropriate dates for the years 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1959.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gross External Assets.
15.
Mr. Ryan
The external assets of the Central Bank, the Associated Banks and Departmental Funds at 31st December, 1959, amounted to £210.2 million. The corresponding figures for the years 1956 to 1958 are given in Table 16 of the Report of the Central Bank for the year to 31st March, 1959.
With regard to external assets in private hands, there is not sufficient information available on which to base a reliable estimate of their magnitude. Indications are, however, that there was no fall in the value of such assets in recent years. The current value of external assets is, of course, affected by the earning capacity of the individual companies, etc., in which the assets are held and by the prevailing rates of interest.
May I draw the attention of the Taoiseach to the fact that in that reply three figures are omitted and reference is made to the report of the Central Bank? Surely it is reasonable to put them in the reply and have all the figures in one cohesive place rather than a reference to another document? I would agree if there were many figures but there are only three.
I should imagine Deputies would find it more convenient to be referred to a source of very complete information on these matters——
No, it is just an effort to "duck" the comparison being made obvious.