Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline (a) the national debt for each year 1985 to date and (b) the annual rate of increase/ decrease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Debt.
The national debt as at 31 December in each of the years 1985 to 1991 is as follows; the annual rate of increase is shown in brackets.
|
£(m) |
% |
|
|
1985 |
18,502 |
(10) |
|
1986 |
21,611 |
(17) |
|
1987 |
23,694 |
(10) |
|
1988 |
24,611 |
(4) |
|
1989 |
24,828 |
(1) |
|
1990 |
25,117 |
(1) |
|
1991 |
25,400 |
(1) |
|
(estimate) |
The national debt as a proportion of gross national product reached a peak of 129 per cent in 1987 and since then has fallen to approximately 107 per cent in 1991.