§ 40. Mr. JOYCEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether loans will be granted to municipal authorities in Ireland under the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act, 1908; whether his attention has been called to the fact that the County Borough Council of Limerick have applied for a loan to build thirty houses under this Act and have already acquired the site for those cottages, and are now waiting for the Irish Local Government Board to send an inspector to hold the usual inquiry; and whether, taking into account the distress and want of employment owing to the War and the need of houses for the working classes, the Treasury will signify their intention to grant this loan so that the inquiry can be held as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe question as to whether any further loans from the Local Loans Fund can be made to local 1158 authorities in Ireland during the current year depends on the demands made on the Fund during the next few months, on account of loans already sanctioned. No application has been received by the Board of Works from the borough council. Limerick, for a loan to build thirty houses, nor would the Board be able to consider such an application until the scheme had been passed by the Local Government Board.
§ Mr. JOYCEHas the Treasury made clear to the Local Government Board the necessity for sending down an inspector as asked in the question?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is rather the business of the Local Government Board than that of the Treasury. The Treasury does not like to suggest anything which might lead to unnecessary expenditure.
§ Mr. JOYCEThe Local Government Board tell me that they will send an inspector when they know that the loan will be granted if the inspector's report is favourable. When will the Treasury send that inspector?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will consider that.