asked the Minister for Finance the expenditure from the Local Loans Fund from 1st January to 30th September, 1975; the budget forecast of expenditure for 1976; and the actual expenditure from 1st January to 30th September, 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Loans Fund.
2.
The expenditure from the local loans fund between 1st January and 30th September, 1975, was £97.665 million. The budget estimate for issues from the fund in 1976 was £135.145 million. Actual expenditure between 1st January and 30th September, 1976, was £88.419 million. I should observe that drawings in any nine-month period are not necessarily an accurate indication of expenditure on an annual basis. The overall provision from the fund in 1976 will exceed the 1975 total.
How does it compare with estimated expenditure from the fund for the year 1976?
It is estimated that the total expenditure in 1976 will be £130.395 million which will be more than £4 million above the 1975 figure.
But will it be £5 million below the estimate?
Yes. Not actually £5 million below—£4.75 million.
We will settle for £5 million.
Question No. 3 is withdrawn. I am calling Question No. 4.