asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the National Debt; and the sum required to service it annually.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Debt.
4.
asked the Minister for Finance (a) the total National Debt on 31st March, 1966, or nearest available date; and (b) the cost of servicing the National Debt at the present time.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
The amount of the National Debt at 31 March, 1966, was £714 million. The amount required for the service of the public debt for the current financial year is estimated at £55.4 million.
Could you tell me where you expect to get the money this year to service the National Debt?
I have already indicated the source of the Capital Budget.
Do you expect to get it?
I do.
The Capital Budget does not make provision for the service of debt.
I was not asked that question.
Is provision not made in the current Budget for the service of the National Debt?
Yes.