asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state for the years ended 31st March, 1956 and 31st March, 1967 and at the latest available date (a) the total debt of all harbour authorities and (b) the cost of servicing this debt.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Debt of Harbour Authorities.
9.
The accounting year for the majority of harbour authorities scheduled under the Harbours Act, 1946 is the calendar year. The indebtedness of all scheduled harbour authorities at 31st December, 1956 was approximately £3,597,000; the corresponding figure at 31st December, 1966, which is the latest date for which accounts are available, was approximately £2,819,000. The cost of servicing the debts in these years was approximately £246,000 and £198,000 respectively.
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 1s.
Is there not an obligation on the harbour authorities to furnish a copy of their accounts within a stated time to the Minister?
Yes.
Has that been complied with? If it has been complied with, will the Minister state why it is that there is now a delay of 14 months in giving the 1967 figures?
Some are very late coming in.
I thought they were in breach and that is why I wanted to know is there an obligation on them to give a copy of their accounts to the Minister within a stipulated time.
It is always very difficult to get people to fulfil their obligations in this regard.
No wonder, when it is that Minister and that Government.