§ 42. Mr. M. MacMILLANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the saving to the Treasury by the present cheapness of money and by recent conversion and other expedients, he will take steps to pass these advantages on to the overburdened crofters by reducing the rates of interest from 3⅛ per cent. on assisted houses to the level of those paying by 1¼ per cent. annuities?
§ Sir G. COLLINSSpecially favourable arrangements are made by the Department of Agriculture under which crofters can purchase materials for the erection and improvement of their houses at cost price and obtain a substantial contribution to the cost of freight. I am not satisfied that there is any case for a reduction in the interest rate of 3⅛ per cent. on loans made to them for the purposes.