Shadow National Security Minister Michael Dunkley yesterday said people need to know how the public purse is being managed, after his questions on Government finances went unanswered.Senator Dunkley had tabled Parliamentary Questions asking Junior Finance Minister David Burt to reveal Government’s total revenues, expenses and debt for the fiscal year ending March 31.However he said, while similar questions were answered in previous summers, this time no response was given.A Government source last night indicated responses to finance questions should only be provided through the House of Assembly, not the Senate.Sen Dunkley said Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox has pledged commitment to public access to information, but the lack of answers shows “transparency is just a word”.“In recent years, I have submitted questions in the Senate regarding the status of the Government’s finances for the fiscal year ending the previous March 31,” he said in a statement yesterday.“The questions have been asked during the summer when the Government has all the information it needs to provide answers. To their credit, they have done so, until now.“Its refusal this year to answer these basic questions raises questions and uncertainty about what they may be hiding. It is particularly curious given that Government has answered the questions before.“We asked these questions because of concerns about the state of the public purse. More specifically, we are concerned the Premier as Finance Minister once again over-estimated how much money the Government was going to take in.“We also want to know the specific debt figure because of its impact on the Government’s ability to meet its social commitments. Interest payments on the debt are now costing us $190,000 a day.”Sen Dunkley said the One Bermuda Alliance wants the people of Bermuda to get the best possible understanding of how the Government is managing the public purse.He said: “The One Bermuda Alliance believes a well-informed public makes for a stronger, better-run democracy. It is why the party anchored its constitution in values and principles of transparency, responsibility, fairness, inclusiveness and service.“These are values that will serve the people, not the party in power, and help put Bermuda first.“The refusal of the Government to answer basic questions about the state of the public purse only serves to remind us that we need a change of leadership in Bermuda.“We will not get this Country moving in the right direction unless we have leaders who are not afraid to level with the people, to provide them with information that can lead to better, more responsible decision-making.“And so I challenge the Premier, as Finance Minister, to answer the questions. It’s not your money we’re asking about; it’s the people’s money.“If there is reason the Premier cannot provide the answers, then she needs to explain why not.”