§ MR. HEDGES (Kent, Tonbridge)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what is the period allowed for repayment of loans raised for electrical works undertaken by local authorities; and what regulations are in force with regard to the charging to capital account of the wages of men employed by the authorities on their regular work, but temporarily diverted to work of extension, which, if put out to tender, would be chargeable to capital account.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSThe period allowed by the Local Government Board for the repayment of loans for electrical plant varies according to the nature of the plant, but the maximum period usually allowed is twenty-five years. As regards the latter part of the Question, the view taken by the Board is that the wages of workmen permanently employed by a local authority should not be paid out of borrowed money, and consequently it is their practice to exclude from the amount to be borrowed for works proposed to be executed by the authority any sums which would be paid in respect of such wages.