asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the national debt in April 1975; and the amount per head of the tax-paying population.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Debt.
13.
asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the national debt per head of the population at the latest available date; and how this compares with the figures for each of the three previous years.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The amount of the national debt is compiled at the end of each financial period. Accordingly, the latest available figure is that which was compiled as at 31st December, 1974. At that date the total national debt was £1,957 million.
Taxes being both direct and indirect it is assumed that they are universally applicable.
At 31st December, 1974, the national debt per head of the population was £634 and at 31st March in 1974, 1973 and 1972 it was £526, £466 and £415, respectively.
Will the Minister indicate the interest rates payable per annum per head of the population based on these latest figures?
I am sorry I have not that information but I will communicate with the Deputy.
It should not take long to calculate it at the rate of 15 per cent.