HC Deb 11 March 1924 vol 170 cc2118-9
44. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether with regard to the sum of £158,000 advanced on mortgage by the War Office to the Roe Green Garden Village, Limited, Middlesex, in September, 1919, at 6 per cent. interest, the principal being repayable at the rate of 2½ per cent. per annum, he will state if payment of the interest and repayment of the principal have been kept up to date?

Mr. GRAHAM

I understand that interest, which is at the rate of 5½ per cent. per annum, has been paid up to 22nd December, 1920, and, as regards the principal sum due, I am advised that no part of this became repayable until two years after the official date of the expiry of the War on 31st August, 1921, and then only after a re-valuation of the buildings had been made, on the amount of which re-valuation the principal sum to be repaid depends. The re-valuation has been made, but discussion with regard to it is still proceeding with the Roe Green Garden Village, Limited.

Lord EUSTACE PERCY

Under what circumstances was this loan given by the War Office?

Mr. GRAHAM

It is a very long story, but, in a sentence, it was associated with the production of munitions of war. I can give the Noble Lord much fuller information later.