asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the net accretion to the Post Office savings system for the first six months of 1953 and 1956, or for the nearest available period.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:—

TOTAL NET ACCRETIONS TO THE POST OFFICE SAVINGS SYSTEM.

During these periods loans, etc., as follows were floated:—