asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state in respect of loans guaranteed under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts, the amounts paid out of the Central Fund arising out of defaults by firms and individuals to whom loans were advanced.

The account presented to the Oireachtas pursuant to Section 6 of the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts, 1924, up to the 31st March, 1935, contains particulars of the total sums which have been issued out of the Central Fund under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts, 1924-1934.

Is any later information than that available?

No.

Will greater care be exercised in future in granting these loans?

Every possible care is exercised.