asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state, in respect of each of the last five financial years, the total sum paid by way of interest by local authorities throughout the country.

The total amount of interest paid on stocks, loans and bank overdrafts by local authorities other than harbour authorities, vocational education committees and county committees of agriculture in each of the last five financial years is estimated as follows:—

The figures for the year ended 31st March, 1955, are subject to revision.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the total sum paid by way of interest by the Dublin Corporation (a) in the last five financial years, and (b) in the financial year 1954-55.

The total sum paid by Dublin Corporation in the last five financial years by way of interest on stocks, loans and temporary bank overdraft is estimated at £5,128,400. The sum paid in the financial year 1954-55 is estimated at £1,355,000. Those figures are subject to revision.