§ 32. Sir JOHN JARDINEasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many applications for small holdings have been received from persons in the parish of Ancrum, in the county of Roxburgh, and, in particular, whether that sent by Mr. Harvey has yet been disposed of?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe number of applications from the parish of Ancrum is thirteen in all (eleven for new holdings and two for enlargements). It is hoped to provide a holding for Mr. Harvey under a scheme for which negotiations are now in progress.
§ 35. Sir J. SPEARasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board repay to county councils their costs incurred in connection with the raising of loans for land purchased for small holdings and decline to pay similar costs incurred 1845 for buildings on the lands purchased; if so, will he state why this distinction is drawn; and will he take steps to abolish the distinction?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The term of loans for the purchase of land is eighty years, but the Board were advised that the Public Works Loan Commissioners could not sanction a longer term than fifty years for the repayment of a loan raised to cover the cost of raising a loan for the purchase of land. In view of the inconvenience caused by county councils by this distinction, the Board applied to the Treasury for authority, which was granted, to repay out of the small holdings account the costs incurred in raising such loans. The same difficulty does not occur in the case of loans for the acquisition of buildings, as the term of those loans is fifty years.
§ Sir J. SPEARDo I understand that in future part of the expenses incurred by the county councils for buildings will be allowed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt is a little bit intricate, but when the hon. Gentleman reads the answer I think it will be clear.
§ Mr. MORRELLMay I ask whether the Public Works Loan Commissioners have full discretion or whether they are subject to the Treasury?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am afraid I cannot answer that.
§ Sir J. SPEARMay I ask, having regard to that fact, that the small holdings system is to encourage people to live upon the land, how can we do that unless they have houses, and is it right to penalise public bodies for using money to provide houses?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe cost of raising loans for the acquisition of land will be paid out of the small holdings account; the cost of raising loans for the acquisition of buildings will not. The hon. Member's question was to find out why there was that distinction; the difference is caused by the fact that the Public Works Loan Commissioners require a different period for the cost of raising the loan than the other loan does.
§ Sir J. SPEARThat does not answer the question. I want to know whether part of the expenses will also—
§ Mr. SPEAKERBetter wait until the President of the Board of Agriculture is in his place, and the hon. Member can then cross-examine him rather than his substitute.