asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state in respect of each of the last three financial years the total amount of the loans and loan stock outstanding against local bodies as at March 31st (distinguishing between the several local bodies), and the amount in the sinking fund of such local bodies for the extinction of debt.

A statement of the indebtedness of local authorities at the 31st March, 1943, will not be available for some time. A tabular statement giving the amount of the indebtedness on foot of loans and stock at the end of each of the three previous financial years, together with the total amount in sinking funds for the extinction of debt, will be circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the tabular statement:—

STATEMENT SHOWING LOANS AND STOCK OUTSTANDING AGAINST LOCAL BODIES.