asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (a) the total amount of debt of all committees of agriculture for the years ended 31st March, 1956 and 31st March, 1967 and at the latest available date; and (b) the cost of servicing this debt.

The total approximate amount of debt at 31st March was nil in 1956, £25,000 in 1967 and £40,000 in 1968. The approximate service cost in the financial years then ending was respectively: nil, £3,000 and £4,100.