asked the Minister for Finance the total National Debt at 31 December 1979, 1980 and 1981 indicating both domestic and foreign debt.
Written Answers. - National Debt.
201.
The following table gives the information requested.
|
At 31 December |
|||
|
1979 |
1980 |
1981* |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Total National |
6,540 |
7,896 |
10,300 |
|
Debt of which: |
|||
|
Domestic |
4,998 |
5,689 |
6,560 |
|
Foreign |
1,542 |
2,207 |
3,740 |
* The National Debt figure for 31 December 1981 is provisional.
202.
asked the Minister for Finance the cost of servicing the national debt, showing domestic and foreign debt in each year ended 31 March 1979, 1980 and 1981 and the estimate for 1982.
Debt service costs are available only for calendar years during the period for which the Deputy has requested information. Payments of interest and provisions for sinking funds are as follows:—
|
Year |
Domestic |
Foreign |
Total |
|
£m. |
£m. |
£m. |
|
|
1978 |
414 |
96 |
510 |
|
1979 |
519 |
103 |
622 |
|
1980 |
628 |
164 |
792 |
|
1981 |
804 |
250 |
1,054 |
For 1982 the estimate of the total amount is £1,424 million. The breakdown of this figure as between domestic and foreign payments will depend on the extent to which the Exchequer's borrowing needs in 1982 are financed from external sources. As the amount of foreign borrowing is decided from time to time during the year having regard to the Exchequer's financing needs, sales of domestic securities, inflows from small savings schemes and the position of the external reserves it is not possible to provide a breakdown as between domestic and foreign components for 1982.