asked the Taoiseach if he will state what proportion of the sums of £18,180,000 and £3,220,000 respectively given by him for credit and debit "other capital transactions" on the 21st April, 1959, represent known transactions; and what proportion thereof represents estimates balancing or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Capital Transactions.
1.
Many of the items included in the heading "Other capital transactions" in the Balance of International Payments Statement contain elements of estimation. In 1958 the estimates of all items entered on the debit side, and of items entered on the credit side accounting for about two-thirds of the total amount, are firmly based on reliable data, and it is believed that the margin of error in these estimates is not significant. The remaining one-third of the credit heading is based on estimates which are subject to larger margins of error.
In other words, the last ones are the balancing figures. It is a pity I did not get that information a long time ago. It would have saved a lot of trouble.
I do not think the Deputy is quite right in that.
Question No. 2 postponed.