§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health, with regard to the memorandum, which he has sent to the West Ham Poor Law Commissioners extending the period of the repayment of their loans after 1930, what amount per annum they are expected to pay, including principal and interest; whether, in the event of the Local Government Act not being passed during the present Session, the principles contained in the memorandum will be carried out; and whether he will have the memorandum printed and put in the Vote Office?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINUnder the terms which have been arranged for the repayment of the loans raised by the West Ham guardians, a payment of £151,000 in respect of interest and principal is due to be paid each half-year until 31st March, 1936, and a final payment of £147,989 is due on 20th July, 1936. If the proposals in the Local Government Bill for the mitigation of the liability in respect of loans raised by Poor Law authorities which apply to West Ham are not adopted the terms referred to, which, of course, are much less favourable to West Ham, will be carried out. The terms of repayment are embodied in the ordinary 1949W way in a deed of mortgage but I do not think any useful purpose would be served by circulating a copy of the deed.