asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the total indebtedness of all harbour authorities in 1957 and 1958, (2) the estimated indebtedness for the current year, and (3) the total amount of interest paid by all harbour authorities for the financial years 1956-57, 1957-58 and 1958-59.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Indebtedness of Harbour Authorities.
13.
The total indebtedness in the calendar year 1957 of all harbour authorities scheduled to the Harbours Act, 1946, after deducting amounts in sinking funds, was approximately £3,673,400. Corresponding figures of indebtedness in 1958, and in the current year, are not available in my Department, as the relevant accounts have not yet been received from a number of the harbour authorities.
The total amounts of interest paid by harbour authorities in the financial years 1956-57 and 1957-58 were approximately £181,900 and £191,000, respectively. Precise figures cannot be given as the accounting periods of some harbour authorities do not correspond with either the calendar or financial year. Interest payments for the financial year 1958-59 are not, of course, yet available.
Harbour authorities are required, under the Harbours Act, 1946, to keep copies of their audited accounts available for inspection by interested parties on payment of a fee of 1/-.