MR. T. F. RICHARDSI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a letter from the borough surveyor of West Bridgford, dated 11th February, anent the conditions on which loans are granted to local authorities; and, if so, what has been the nature of his reply.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI have received the letter referred to, and am sending a reply to the effect that the Local Government Board gather from the letter that the Urban District Council are not in a position to give permanent employment to the men referred to in it upon work the cost of which is payable out of current rates. If so, and the services of the men are not in fact required for their usual work, the Board are not aware of anything to prevent the Urban District Council from engaging these men to carry out works in respect of which loans have been sanctioned, and paying their wages out of the loans.