asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the export programme for the British and U.S. zones of Germany for the years 1947, 1948 and 1949, he will now state, approximately, the estimated net cost to the British taxpayer of financing imports into Germany during the financial years 1947–48, 1948–49 and 1949–50, respectively.

The figure for 1947–48 will be included in the annual estimates when they are presented to this House. As for the later years, I cannot at this stage add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 3rd December.