HC Deb 01 December 1893 vol 19 cc266-7
MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)

In the absence of the hon. Member for South West Bethnal Green, I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will explain why the application of the Walthamstow Board for sanction of a loan for the purposes of "The Public Libraries Act, 1892," made three mouths ago, has not yet been granted?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOWLER,) Wolverhampton, E.

The application of the Walthamstow Local Board for sanction of a loan for the purposes of the Public Libraries Act, which was received on October 5, was not accompanied by any detailed estimate. The Local Government Board had to ask for various particulars, which were not received until November 15. The matter is now receiving my attention, and will be disposed of as soon as possible.

MR. J. A. M. MACDONALD

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the action of the Local Government Board?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I do not admit that the Local Government Board has been guilty of any delay in regard to such applications. Unfortunately Local Authorities do not supply the particulars which the law requires when they send in their applications to the Board. Notwithstanding the great pressure on the Local Government Board I am not aware of any applications that have been delayed.

MR. PICTON

Does that observation apply to the application from Leicester?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

Yes; I have dealt with the Leicester case to-day; and, subject to the question whether the law makes it necessary to hold a local inquiry, I have sanctioned the loan.