§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of cottages built under the provisions of the Irish Labourers' Cottages Acts, distinguishing those built before the Act of 1906 came into operation and those built since; the amount of money granted by the Treasury and out of the local rates towards the cost of the cottages; and the amount of money lent by the Treasury and the rate of interest charged for the loans?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to Parliamentary Return No. 192 of last Session, which gives full information as to cottages built or in course of erection on 31st March, 1911, the latest date for which figures are available. The number of cottages built up to the 31st March, 1907, under Acts prior to the Labourers Act, 1906, was 21,948. Prior to that Act loans were granted on the same terms and conditions as under the Public Health Acts, but under the Act of 1906 the terms of repayment are £3 5s. per cent. per annum, covering principal and interest for a period of 68½ years. Thirty-six per cent. of this charge is recouped by Government, leaving 64 per cent. to be borne by the local authorities. Section 18 of the Act of 1906 provided for the annual distribution out of the Exchequer Contribution under the Land Purchase Act, 1891, of a sum of about £31,000 in respect of the cost of cottages provided prior to the 1st November, 1906, which is equivalent to a subsidy of £1 8s. 8d. per annum for each cottage so provided.