asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt at 30th September, 1972; the interest payable thereon and the corresponding figures for 30th September, 1971.

154.

asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt for the latest date for which figures are available.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.

The national debt is compiled as at 31st March each year and is published in the Finance Accounts which are available in the Library.

The national debt outstanding as at 31st March, 1972, was £1,251 million. Interest payable thereon was £75 million.

The national debt outstanding as at 31st March, 1971, was £1,106 million. Interest payable thereon was £69 million.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the extent of the national debt has in some way contributed towards inflation?

That is open to argument. It would be better for the Deputy to take that up on the Estimate.