asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in relation to the Industrial Credit Company the number and amount of loans at present outstanding and the total amount written off as irrecoverable in the last ten years, and, in respect of each loan in which the original issue exceeded £100,000, (a) the amount of the loan, (b) the date of issue, (c) the rate of interest and, (d) the amount at present outstanding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Credit Company Loans.
I am informed by the Industrial Credit Company that the total amount of loans at present outstanding is £454,851. I consider that in principle the disclosure by me of the remaining information sought by the Deputy would not be in the public interest or the interests of the company and its clients. The company is an independent body operating under the Companies Acts and normally, in the conduct of its affairs, should be allowed the full commercial freedom afforded by those Acts.