HC Deb 06 August 1912 vol 41 cc2943-4W
Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board will build a house for John Sullivan, Baslickane, Waterville, in accordance with the promise given by the inspector, as Sullivan did not possess the necessary means; for what reason did the inspector refuse building material and suggest the giving of a loan, when he knew Sullivan could not afford to build a house; what charge was placed on the other tenants for building grants of £700, in view of the fact that Sullivan was expected to pay £l a year for a loan of £30, or £l 7s. 6d. for a loan of £50; whether a permanent member of the Board will inspect the farm and house; and can he state what steps, if any, will be taken by the Board to meet Sullivan's claim, seeing that he has paid his annuity punctually?

Mr. BIRRELL

John Sullivan lived in a thatched cottage on the farm, and when provided with a holding preferred to continue to reside in the cottage to having a new house erected by the Congested Districts Board, and paying portion of the expenditure in the form of an annuity. As soon as he became a tenant purchaser of his holding he intimated to the Board's senior inspector that he proposed to erect a new house, and he was promised a loan to assist him to do so. Loans are granted to tenant purchasers, and may be made repayable in fifty years by an annuity of £2 17s., payable half-yearly. For a loan of £50 this would mean a payment of £l 8s. 6d. a year. The advances made to the other tenants for new houses were added to the purchase price of their holdings, and are repayable by an annuity of £3 5s., payable by half-yearly instalments, and extending over about 68½ years. For a loan of £50 this would mean a payment of £l 12s. 6d. a year. It is not proposed that a permanent member of the Board should inspect the farm and the house. The Board are still willing to make a loan to Sullivan upon the necessary formalities being complied with.