asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt at 30th September last.
177.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Debt.
176.
asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of national debt at the latest date for which figures are available.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
The national debt is computed at the end of each financial year. At 31st March, 1969, the national debt was £914 million.
Is this not a serious matter or is it to be passed over glibly by the Parliamentary Secretary who is sitting in for the Minister for Finance? Has he no further comment to make on the fact that the national debt has reached that alarming figure?
I answered the question.