§ MR. SEAGER HUNT (Marylebone, W.)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether the amount due for arrears of interest on the Battersea Park debt represents interest actually unpaid; if so, to whom, and from where, are these arrears due; and, why the interest has been allowed to accumulate to its present enormous amount?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)The arrears of interest on the Battersea Park debt mentioned in the Question remain unpaid. They are due from Her Majesty's Office of Works to the Public Works Loan Commissioners. The Battersea Park Estate was the security upon 1564 which the money was advanced. The interest was allowed to accumulate, because the income derived from the sale or letting of parts of the estate were for many years not sufficient to pay that charge; but it more than suffices now for that purpose, and the arrears of interest are being gradually reduced.