asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many advances under the Irish Land Acts, 1903 and 1909, will be affected by the Irish Land (Finance) (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules, 1971; and what is the maximum potential saving to an annuitant of this amendment of the rules.

There are 239 advances repayable by means of 3½ per cent. annnuities which are affected by this Statutory Instrument. Compared with the previous percentage rate, the new rate is likely to mean that one fewer half-yearly instalment will be required before the original advance is deemed to have been repaid.