asked the Minister for Finance the national debt as at 31 December 1972, 31 December 1975 and 31 December 1977; and on the latest date for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - National Debt.
210.
Up to 1974 the national debt was compiled at the end of each financial year, that is 31 March. The national debt figure as at 31 December 1972 is therefore not available.
At 31 March 1972 and 1973 the national debt amounted to £1,251 million and £1,421 million respectively. At 31 December 1975 and 1977 the national debt amounted to £2,651 million and £4,219 million, respectively. The level of the national debt at 31 December 1978 is expected to be of the order of £5,000 million.