§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that at a meeting of the Rotherham Board of Guardians it was stated that the hank refused to allow an overdraft for emergency relief, which is now £140,000; that the clerk of the guardians had asked the Minister of Health to sanction a further £10,000; and if he will take action to enable the time for repayment to be extended?
§ Sir A. MONDI am not aware of any refusal on the part of the bank. I have authorised borrowing to the extent of £140,000, and am informed by the guardians that the actual overdraft on the 20th instant was £86,911. I have received an application for an extension of the guardians' borrowing powers and am thoroughly investigating their financial position in order to afford any additional assistance which may be required.