§ MR. STRACHEYI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether any steps have been taken to carry out the pledge given at the time of the passing of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, that English county councils should be also allowed to borrow for a period not exceeding sixty years for works of a permanent character.
§ MR. CHAPLINI am not aware that any pledge was given at the time of the passing of the Act referred to. The view expressed on behalf of the Local Government Board, to the best of my recollection, was to the effect that there would be no objection to the proposal if it was desired as regards the English county councils.
§ MR. STRACHEYIs there power at the present moment to extend the term?
§ MR. CHAPLINNo, that would require fresh legislation.