asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the gross debt of local authorities excluding harbour authorities, vocational education committees and county committees of agriculture on the 31st March, 1952, and the amount paid in interest for that year and (b) the gross debt on the 31st March, 1953, and the amount of interest paid for that year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities' Debts.
The total indebtedness of all local authorities (excluding harbour authorities, vocational education committees and county committees of agriculture) was approximately £70,650,000 on 31st March, 1952, and £85,275,000 on 31st March, 1953. The amounts paid in interest (including interest on temporary overdraft) by such local authorities were approximately £2,333,000 and £2,790,000 in the years ended 31st March, 1952, and 31st March, 1953, respectively.
These figures are subject to audit.