asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state (a) the total amount of the capital liabilities of the State, and (b) the liability of the State in respect of the outstanding indebtedness of local authorities for moneys raised under the Housing Acts, (1) as on 31st March, 1932, and (2) as on 31st March, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Liabilities.
There is a variety of bases for computing the direct capital liabilities of the State, but, taking them as shown in the finance accounts, they amounted to £31,848,824 as on the 31st March, 1932, and to £61,438,378 as on the 31st March, 1939. Neither of the figures takes account of contingent liabilities. I would remind the Deputy, however, that the figure quoted for capital liabilities at the 31st March, 1932, does not include the capital amount, approximately £100,000,000, of the annual payments previously made to the United Kingdom and subsequently disputed; whereas the figure quoted for 31st March, 1939, includes the outstanding balance of the Financial Agreement Loan of £10,000,000 raised to meet the payment of a similar sum under the Agreement with United Kingdom (Capital Sum) Act, 1938. I presume the reference to the Housing Acts is to the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts, 1932-1939. The liability of the State under such Acts was nil on the 31st March, 1932, and £7,320,000 on the 31st March, 1939.
Is that a reply to question No. 3, which deals with the whole year?
It applies to both.
There is nothing in that question that could be connected with the war.
There is a certain element.
Would the Minister be able to give the information privately?
I shall consider that.