Will the Minister state if investors and depositors in Government bonds and securities have been paid the full amount due to them at the appropriate rates of interest as the Minister undertook would be done when the strike terminated?

I announced arrangements to provide to holders of Government paper of different kinds, including the payment of interest calculated according to a formula which I set out. Those arrangements are now in hand. Not all payments have yet been made but they are being made over a period.

Will the Minister ensure that they are paid as quickly as possible?

The Deputy need have no worries whatever. I made a public statement about the arrangements I am making to ensure these payments, and holders of Government paper need be in no doubt but that the payments will be made in the manner I set out in that public statement.

Is the Minister aware that a number of Deputies have been approached by people, even up to this week, asking when they would receive the payments due to them? It was that which prompted my question.

I am so aware. If any Member of the House is approached by people on this matter and if he contacts me or my office I will make sure that full information about the payments and their timing will be given immediately to that Deputy or to the person who approaches him.

8.