asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the potential economic outlook in view of the rising adverse balance in our external trade; and if he will make a general statement on the balance of payments question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Outlook: Balance of Payments.
10.
I would rather wait until the December trade figures are available in detail and the estimates of invisible receipts for the year 1958 are completed. Only then will it be possible to make a proper analysis of the external payments position. There is reason to believe, however, that the deficit in balance of payments for 1958 was not of large dimensions and that there was during the year an increased inflow of private capital.
Could the Minister give any indication of what the deficit in the balance of payments will be?
I have reason to believe it will be small.