§ MR. ARMITAGETo ask the President of the Board of Education if he will state the total amount of loans for the provision of public elementary schools sanctioned to board schools and to local education authorities from 1870 to 31st March, 1907; what was the amount of outstanding loans on 31st March, 1906; and what was the amount paid by local education authorities in interest and sinking fund in respect of such loans during the year ending 31st March, 1906.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The total amount of loans for the provision of public elementary schools sanctioned to school boards since 1870 was £48,764,481 10s. 2d., and to local education authorities up to the 31st March, 1907, £6,695,031. The loans outstanding on the 31st March, 1906, amounted to £36,966,667. The payments in respect of interest and sinking fund during the year ending the 31st March, 1906, amounted to £2,352,697.