Dáil Éireann - Volume 230 - 19 October, 1967

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Borrowing.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

77. Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Finance the total amount borrowed by the Government during the period 30th September, 1957 to 30th September, 1967.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

78. Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt at 30th September, 1967 and at 30th September, 1957.

Mr. O'Hara Mr. O'Hara

79. Mr. O'Hara asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt at present.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 79 together.

The national debt comprises not only Exchequer borrowings but also the capitalised value of commitments under the Telephone Capital Acts, the Land Acts and the Housing Acts. It is computed only at the end of each financial year. At 31st March. 1957, it was £342 million and at 31st March. 1967, £771 million. The amount of net Exchequer borrowing in this ten-year period was £489 million.

Mr. Dillon Mr. Dillon

Mr. Dillon: You learned your lesson in South America.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: A good part of it was capital for housing. I am sure the Deputy would not object to that.

Mr. Dillon Mr. Dillon

Mr. Dillon: I would not.

Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave

Mr. Cosgrave: You built fewer houses.

Dáil Éireann 230 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Government Borrowing.

Questions

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