asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the national debt which falls due for repayment in 1981; and the extent to which he expects to repay this by further borrowing.

Loan repayments due in 1981 are estimated at £715 million.

In addition, short-term debts of about £340 million, mainly small savings with the Exchequer, are repayable on demand or at short notice, while Exchequer Bills amounting to £150 million are repayable on various dates up to three months ahead.

All loans due to be repaid in 1981 will be replaced by new borrowings. If State debt could be repaid without such new borrowings it would mean that the Exchequer had no borrowing requirement and was actually running a surplus.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper. I have granted permission to Deputy Barry Desmond to ask the Minister for Labour a Private Notice Question.