§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state, in relation to the districts of Banbridge, Down and Newry and Mourne, (a) the total rate arrears outstanding on 31st March last and the number of relevant debtors; (b) the arrears and debtors discharged since 31st March 1974; and (c) what proportion of the figures at (a) relates (i) to property destroyed or damaged, and (ii) to arrears in respect of which instalment arrangements are in force.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFollowing is the information:
(a) Total arrears outstanding at 31st March 1975 and number of debtors:
District Arrears Number of debtors £ Newry and Mourne 190,000 2,650 Down 164,500 2,500 Banbridge 34,000 650 (b) Arrears and debtors discharged between 31st March 1974 and 31st March 1975:
District Decrease in total of arrears Decrease in number of debtors £ Newry and Mourne 142,000 2,850 Down 143,500 2,150 Banbridge 61,000 908 Note: These are net decreases. Figures for the number of debtors fully discharged within the period are not readily available.
229W(c)(i) Arrears at 31st March 1975 relating to property destroyed or damaged:
District Total arrears Number of debtors £ Newry and Mourne 10,000 53 Down 7,025 21 Banbridge Nil Nil (ii) Number of debtors at 31st March 1975 in relation to whom instalment arrangements are in force:
District Number of debtors Newry and Mourne 899 Down 962 Banbridge 232