Captain COOPERasked the Chief Secretary what proportion of the money advanced to credit societies in Ireland was looked upon by the Department of Agriculture as irrecoverable; and whether any further steps were to be taken to endeavour to recover this money?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department's inspectors thought that about £600 was bad or doubtful, but it is impossible to say how much may ultimately prove to be irrecoverable. Such steps as seem most suitable will be taken in each case.
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House, for the information of Members, what interest is Chargéd by these banks to farmers for money advanced?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot answer that question at random because the rates vary so much.