§ SIR SYDNEY WATERLOWasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is aware that, in consequence of the state of the funds at the disposal of the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the purposes of the Labouring Classes Dwellings Act, 1866, the Commissioners are unable to entertain applications for Loans to assist in the erection of Dwellings for the Labouring Classes; and, whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to provide the Commissioners with the funds necessary for carrying out the purposes of the said Act?
THE CHANCELLOR OFTHE EXCHEQUER, in reply, said, that the funds at the disposal of the Public Works Loan Commissioners were not inexhaustible. The amount that was granted on the passing of the Labouring Classes Dwellings Act, 1866, for the purposes of the Act was £250,000, and that money had 498 been either actually lent or promised; therefore, the Commissioners had no more money in their hands applicable to this purpose. It was the intention of the Government in a short time to introduce a Bill to raise more money, in order to supply the Public Works Loan Commissioners with funds for this and other purposes. There were a great many calls upon those funds, and the introduction of the Bill had been delayed a little time, until it had been ascertained what was the amount that was required.