§ Mr. GINNELLasked the number of new cottages for labourers comprised in schemes under the Labourers (Ireland) Acts inquired into and approved, but suspended for want of money; the number comprised in schemes lodged, but not yet inquired into; the estimated further number of cottages, on the scale of previous experience, for which district councils have been prevented from promoting schemes by the public knowledge that money could not be obtained; and whether any loan on the terms of the last loan for this purpose can be obtained pending the enactment of the new Land Bill?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo schemes which have been inquired into and approved by the Local Government Board are at present held up for want of funds. There are 5,375 cottages comprised in schemes which have been lodged by rural district councils, but which have not yet been inquired into. As I have already informed the hon. Member, out of the additional million provided by the Act of 1911 loans amounting to nearly £250,000 have been sanctioned, while about £410,000 will probably be required for the carrying out of schemes already inquired into, but where loans have not been sanctioned. Thirty-nine other schemes have been actually lodged, but have not been inquired into, and the balance of the million will be used in dealing with some of these cases. Beyond this sum no further loans can be advanced pending the passing of the Bill.