asked the Minister for Local Government the total debt of local authorities excluding harbour authorities, vocational education committees and county committees of agriculture at the latest date for which figures are available; and the cost of servicing this debt.

Total indebtedness at 31st March, 1969, the latest date for which an estimate is available, was given in reply to question No. 127 of 11th November, last. The cost of servicing this debt in the year ended 31st March, 1969, is estimated at £19.21 million. I might add that about one-third of the cost of servicing the debt falls to be borne by the rates, the balance being borne by State subsidies, rents et cetera.