§ MR. PELLasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Government will take steps to empower the Public Works Loan Commissioners to make advances to the authorities in counties and boroughs in England and Wales on the terms and conditions contained in the forty-fourth section of the Public Health Act, 1872, first, for the conversion of outstanding Loans raised for the construction of Lunatic Asylums, Gaols, and Police Buildings; and, secondly, for the expenses which such authorities may hereafter have to incur on these objects?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe tendency of late years has been to throw a great deal more business than formerly upon the Public Works Loan Commissioners, and a considerable number of Acts have been passed requiring them to make advances on exceptionally favourable terms for works, no doubt, of considerable public utility. But I do not think it would be advisable to add to the duties that have been cast upon them without very carefully revising and reviewing the position in which that Commission stands, and its relation to the funds which are provided for the purpose of supplying those loans. I cannot, therefore, give any promise on the subject at present; but the matter shall be carefully considered in connection with other questions relating to the position of the fund.